Well, I did it

I graduated from college yesterday. Super weird! I know I keep saying that, but it's true. I just changed the little "about me" thing on the side of my blog and it seems so strange. I don't feel like I'm supposed to be big enough to be done with school and having to find a big girl job. Anyway, here's how the day went:

I got up at 6:30 am because I had lots to do. Once I had eaten breakfast, read my scriptures, showered, made my bed, and gotten ready, I then had to hurry and get EVERYTHING off my carpet (in my room) because they were cleaning the carpets that morning. Super lame and bad timing. Oh well. So when Snow and I were ready, Kaela kindly took a couple pictures for us and then drove us up to campus. We then headed to the Quad where all the graduates were gathering. There were some pastries and stuff for us, but we were both too nervous to eat. My family found us there and after putting like 6 leis on me, my parents took pictures of me and my friends that I could find.

me and Desiree on the walk through campus

At 9 am we lined up based on our colleges and did a little walk through campus. My parents (and Emi) were there to take pictures and video as I passed by and the rest of the time was spent trying to keep up with the crowd and waving and calling to our friends' parents. My friend Stacy said she felt like a celebrity, and I have to admit it did feel a little red carpet like, with all the people on the side and the cameras going off. We then entered the Spectrum for the morning ceremony where some speakers spoke about stuff (not gonna lie, I couldn't tell you what...China was mentioned...life throwing bricks at you...something like that) and the our degrees were conferred on us one college at a time. It was exciting. Oh, we also sang the Scotsman. Awesome!

friends from my college...and college in general

After that was over, I went with my parents, Emi and my Allen Grandparents to Texas Roadhouse for lunch. Delicious! I freaking love steak! Then, after some not so subtle hints from Mom to Dad, we went to Aggie Ice Cream for some fattening delite. Aggie ice cream is truly the best there is.

1:30 pm found me lining up once more at the Spectrum, this time just with my college and then getting separated into my department. We took lots of pictures out in front while we were waiting to go inside. It was actually nice weather yesterday (thank goodness! it was supposed to rain!) but I think wearing those caps and gowns upped the degrees a big, because we were all boiling out there. Still, once we started moving into the Spec, things got really exciting and we were all having a great time.

At 2 pm-ish, the ceremony started for the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Yeah, I'm pretty sure we have the longest name at the University. This one was pretty short and sweet (well, except for the names part. we have one of the biggest colleges). There was a speaker, some kids from the on campus elementary school sang and then we did the Scotsman again (bonus!) and then the names went. We cheered for all our friends and finally the moment came for me to go! I almost forgot to move because I was busy cheering for Des, who crossed before me. I also almost slipped going up the ramp. Then I handed the man my card and he said my name wrong before seeing my phonetic spelling and then correcting himself. Once I said it right, I walked across the stage, handshake, diploma cover, hug, handshake, walk off the stage. I had to stop a couple times because my friend's parents kept stopping me to take pictures of me too. Then back to my seat to wait for the other half of the college to graduate.

It was so surreal. Walking across that stage, I totally forgot where I was, what I was doing. I didn't hear a single thing. Everyone in the Spectrum could have cheered for me and I wouldn't have heard it. Strange how that happens. Then it was over. Kind of anti-climatic. After everyone walked, the dean said a couple closing remarks and then adjorned us. We didn't even get to walk out together! So my friends all scattered and I'm sure I missed saying some good-byes to people I may never see again. The rest of the day was spent at Lundstrom Park, where my parents hosted a family picnic. I really appreciate my extended family that came, as well as my roomies and the Erin and her family. It was a nice time and then I just relaxed the rest of the night.

Even now, I am still so exhausted from the day. But it was seriously so much fun!!! I really enjoyed the whole graduation scene and even though it still doesn't feel totally real, I really do feel very accomplished and proud of myself. I did it and I did it for me. I didn't have to and it most definitely wasn't easy on many different levels. I love, love, love Utah State and know with my whole heart that this is where I was meant to be. It gave me so many different experiences and I am so glad for the person I've become while I've been here. I will always be an Aggie and my children will know the fight song before they can sing anything else.

right after I walked off the stage

On a very different note, Happy Mother's Day to my AMAZING skiing, scuba diving, race car driving, sky diving, business owning, exercising, silly, beautiful mother!!!!!! I love you sooo much and I love living closer to you guys now!

Also, I got to talk to my baby brother today! Not only is it Mother's Day, but it's his birthday, which made it even more special. He sounds great and he informed me that he can now grow facial hair. Round of applause for him, everyone. We are truly proud.

Well, here I go, off into big girl world. I'm interested to see what's in store for me! Peace!!!