Friday, May 30, 2008

Graduation

Graduation seems to be in the air these days. What an exciting time. So congratulations to anyone graduating this year. Despite the fact that you have to sit forever to listen to speeches you have totally forgotten just moments later, I loved both of my graduations. I'll save a high school graduation flashback for next year...I'm coming up on the big 10. But today...college graduation.

I graduated from Utah State University (Go Aggies!) 5 years ago this month. Degree? Speech Communication. That's not the same as Speech Pathology. I get asked all the time. It's more like interpersonal communication; how people communicate and why. I took classes like communication and conflict, intercultural communication, persuasion, public speaking, debate, etc. LOVED IT! Loved the studies, loved the research, loved the projects, loved the professors, loved my peers.

Minor? Music. I started out as a music major and HATED it. I was no good. But after three grueling semesters in the music program, at least I got a minor out of it.

Oh man, I loved my college years. Graduation was so bitter-sweet for me. I hated to see those years come to an end, but it felt so good to accomplish it (in four years even though I changed my major 4 times).

So here are the pictures...

Me walking in with my peer and good friend, Dawn. We spent a LOT of time in the library together, did a LOT of projects and research together, and caused a LOT of trouble together.
(Notice the cords...I was president of a national communication honor society.)

My ex-roommate and dearest friend, Tammy. She even sang at graduation.
(Notice how we have to tilt our heads because of those obnoxious hats.)

Me and my lover...there to cheer me on.

I look forward to a couple more opportunities to wear an ugly cap and gown before my life is over.

14 comments:

Sheryl said...

Yet another reason why I think you are soooo amazing. You crack me up, I love the Benson Women humor, and you are incredible. It just does my heart so much good to see how our Corona and Norco girls have become everything we knew you would be and then some!!!

Kelly said...

Speech Communication?! Never heard of that at OSU, but I bet you were great in all those debates! I love Graduation, and still tear up everytime I hear "pomp and circumstance"! I love it!! I was thinking of doing a post of my graduations, since I finished HS 15 years ago this year and college 11!! Wow= that makes me feel soooo old- but I was only 21 when I finished UnderGrad. I will have to dig up some oldies for you to laugh on again and again!
Those are great pictures!!

Amanda B. said...

It was nice to read about what you studied at school. I know you had told me, but I didn't really know what it meant and was too embarrassed to ask. Sounds perfect for you! As always, I love the old pictures you post. So fun! :)

jeanine said...

It was fun to see those pictures! Doesn't it seem crazy that college graduation was 5 years ago? I feel like I was just there! And I don't think I knew that you were a music minor... me too!

Autumn said...

I think your major would be so fun. My dad's phd was org comm and its all so interesting. (We still get bits of it.) Fascinating for sure. I LOVED loved loved college but I missed graduation. :( Funny because I didn't particularly care about attending my HS graduation but I really wanted to speak, so I made an appearance. :) In college I finished courses in June and the summer graduation was in August. I was going home and didn't want to fly out just for the ceremony. Kind of ironic because in many respects I value those years as more important. Oh well-plenty of memories still. I especially love graduation pix with spouses. So fun. It will be fun to compare pix next year. :)

Lauri said...

How come there are no pictures of mom and the graduate? I WAS there! And I graduated 3 weeks later with my bachelors degree. It was funny that that one semester you, me, Michael, and Jeff were all in college at the same time...all at different schools.

Great memories and pictures.

Jessica said...

How fun. I love this time of year. There is just something about Graduation that get to me. They are so boring to sit through but so exciting to know you have accomplished so much. I love you in your cap and gown.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to graduate for the first time!! My time will come -- too everything there is a season

Cute photos!!

Cynthia said...

Yes I can definitely see you doing well in communication. Me, not so much. Although I do enjoy speaking in front of people. I got really good at it when I was in toastmasters in Marketing in high school. It's helped me A LOT in college. BUT I cannot stand graduations to tell you the truth. All these fluffy speeches loaded with analogies of moving on into the real world... that's why I opted out of the whole graduation ceremony when I got my AA. So much easier. I guess I'll go through it when I get my bachelors, that's a big deal, but I still don't like it...

Unknown said...

oops, that was me.

Traci Elizabeth said...

Cameron graduated last year from UCR and I was so excited for him to walk. Then we got there and his graduation was cancelled due to bomb threats. I am still completely disappointed about that!

Kelly said...

Love the graduation pics! You always look so cute, ya know that! Doesn't it feel like you just graduated? I still look back and think, 'I just graduated high school a few years ago... but no! It's almost been 10!' So wierd how time flies!

Erin said...

Next week I get to attend the graduation of my smoopie and adopted son Taylor! I was his one on one aide for 5 years and his mom so graciously shares him with me. Can't wait to do a post about it.
I still remeber sitting by you at HS graduation. I can't wait to finish my schooling hopefully before I'm 40 we will see though!

Love the pics- you always take such great pictures!

Jenn said...

Same with Erin... I hope to finish my schooling before I am 40! Way to go! I give you props... I cant stand school, projects and papers! I will be happy when my hubby graduates next year! wahooooo! Love your graduation pictures though.