Today, 1 year ago, I graduated from Oklahoma State University. It's hard to believe that it's already been a year. I was thinking about that today and how so much has happened in just a year.
I graduated last May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. At the time I believed that I would be attending Grad school at OSU and wouldn't have to move or anything. However that didn't work out. I ended up not getting into the graduate program there. Things were hectic that week and also very emotional. I officially found out that I wasn't getting into the program that Tuesday the week of graduation. My parents were already on their way down for graduation and I had to tell them that I hadn't gotten into the program. I was going to be coming home for the summer anyway but since I hadn't been accepted into the program, there was no need for me to stay.Therefore, I had to move out of my apartment. It was stressful having to move everything out quickly while at the same time prepare for graduation. I was an emotional wreck that week.
Graduation day arrived and I was excited. My brother had flown into Oklahoma City the day before. I was already moved out of my apartment by Saturday and was staying with my parents at the motel. The day starting off by the 4 of us heading to IHOP for breakfast. Afterwards, we ran a few last minute errands for my pre-Graduation party. We had reserved a room at the Stillwater Community Center for a little party. However, because I didn't actually know many people in Stillwater, there weren't that many people. In fact the party ended up being just family. My aunt and uncle (from my dad's side) came to my graduation. After the party, we went back to to motel and relaxed a bit before getting ready for the ceremony. A few days ago, my mom and I had gone shopping to find a dress for me to wear. Had we had more time instead of having to move me out of my apartment, I'm sure we could have gone to Tulsa or Oklahoma City to find something. As it was, we had to work with the stores we had. But we found a nice dress and some shoes to go with it.
I arrived early to campus for graduation because the College of Education had a little reception for us graduates prior to the ceremony. It was nice seeing some of my friends and classmates and professors. It was both exciting and scary. Hard to believe that the day had finally arrived! I signed in and got my name card and just walked around trying to calm myself down. I also took pictures with my new video camera (It was a graduation present to me from my parents. I had received it quite recently in the mail). After what seemed like forever, it was time for us to line up. My friend Mary Ann and I tried to stay close to each other. Finally the procession over to the Stadium began. It was weird walking across campus for the last time as a student. Once I graduated, I would officially become an alumnus. The waiting in line seemed to last forever but finally we processed into the stadium.
It was incredibly weird walking onto the floor of the stadium knowing that when I left again, I'd be a graduate. Once I had found a seat, I looked around for my family and found them. They waved to me and I waved back. After everyone had filed in, the ceremony officially began. Speakers spoke and everything. Then they started calling us graduates to walk across the stage and receive our diplomas (although not really since they wouldn't be mailed until later). It was exciting to walk across the stage and to shake hands with the associate dean and get my picture taken. I walked carefully back to my seat and waited for everyone else to get their diplomas. After moving our tassels and some finally words, the ceremony was over and we processed back outside. I met up with my family and we headed back to campus to take a few pictures.
When it was all over, my parents and brother and I headed over to Applebee's where we met up with my Uncle and Aunt. We spent quite a few hours just talking. My uncle was telling us stories about my dad's family which was extremely interesting. After that, it was all over.
It was hard to believe then that it was over after working for so long.
At the time last year, I had no idea about my future. I knew I wanted to still go to grad school and get a Master's degree but I didn't know where I would be. Things were uncertain for me back then.
Now a year later, I've finished my first full year of graduate school and have moved to Texas. Things haven't always been easy for me but still, I can't help but be happy at what I've already accomplished. I've finished a year of grad school already and have about a year and a half left. I have (so far) a 4.0 GPA and I hope that I can keep that going. A year ago, I would not have thought I would be where I am now.
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