Monday, April 23, 2012

Rose & Harvard 2012


 





 Magic's headstone.





 "The Girls Room"
 Downstairs Family Room

 Family Room closet choked with bedding and pillows, etc.

 The Genealogy Room upstairs.
 Grandma & Grandpa's bedroom.
 The Study.
 George..........the meanest, ornery-est, crankiest cat in the universe.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Convocation

We lined up at the north part of the arena where the majors were posted on signs.  We filled out index cards with our names and addresses, distinguishing characteristics, and how to pronounce our names.

More of my friends from the program and department were there and they were glad to see me too.  I was touched that they remembered me and were friendly.  (My old "invisibility" insecurities here...)  Some even called out my name and hugged me and wanted to take pictures with me.  They were so sweet.  I was so happy.  We joked around and talked about old times and future plans.  So many snapshots.  I hope I can get copies to post.

When the time came for the procession, we filed along the walk, around the building, and in to the main floor.  My line walked across in front of the rostrum and into the padded chairs on the arena floor.  My friends kept trying to keep us all together so we would sit together and walk to get our diplomas together.

My name was in the program again.   WOW!!!  A new record!  I'm listed under December 2011 graduates.

One of my friends gave the opening prayer and then the speeches and acknowledgements.

When we filed around to the hallway and lined up to receive our diplomas, I felt like I belonged again.  These people spent much time with me in so many classes, computer labs, presentations, etc.  We stressed, worked, and laughed together semester after semester.

The photographer took my picture, I walked to the stage, handed my name card, confirmed how to pronounce my name, and heard my name called.  I walked into the lights, shook hands with my department chair, and smiled for another photo with him shaking my hand and holding the white envelope that contained the diploma cover.  I told him it was good to see him again and he said, "Congratulations!  Its good to see you again too.  All the best."

When I got to the other side of the stage, my two kids were there waving and smiling.  This time I didn't attend alone.  My kids came!!!!  I stopped and they snapped my picture before I had to keep walking back to my seat.  They couldn't stay for the rest of the event but they made my day by being there for me.

We moved our tassels to the right side of our hats and were cheered from the crowd again.  Once more, we were paraded up through the crowd to the top of the arena and out to the lobby.  Once more, people smiled and congratulated us as we passed by.

I did it.  I attended both ceremonies and I am thankful for the opportunity and privilege to be a graduate of the university that I love.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Commencement

DID IT!

Lining up in the parking lot at the ASB,  I ran into my friends from the program and we did some catching up.  It was kinda validating that they remembered me and wanted to talk.  We laughed while we waited for the procession to begin.

Walking up the overpass walkway with all the graduates was a good feeling of belonging.  Although my tassel said 2011 on it, I belonged with all of these 2012 graduates.  We all had completed the courses required and were ready to receive our degrees.

All along the walk, professors lined the way, cheering and smiling as we passed.  I recognized one of mine on my side and called out his name.  He waived back and told me it was good to see me.  "Congratulations, you deserve it!" he called back.

Once inside the arena the pomp and circumstances music began and we filed to our seats.  The audience was standing as we did so.  In this pic I am in the section of arena seats to the right of the speaker and up about a dozen rows. It was fun to watch department heads and representatives walk in wearing their different colored robes.  They wore the robes from the schools where they got their respective graduate degrees.  The professor I knew wore the same colors as the guest speaker - from University of Chicago.

My name was in the printed program.  That made me happy.  I was listed under December 2011 graduates.

Speeches were short and sweet.  The audience clapped for us and we for them.  The university president conferred upon us the degrees to which we had aspired.

Then, the procession out of the arena, out the same way we came in.  The crown stood as we left.

Outside, families met and hugged, pictures were snapped, smiles all around.

I got to my car and realized I hadn't had one picture taken of me.  Some passers-by were kind enough to take a snap with my camera for me.

After the commencement I treated myself to dinner out by myself.  I ate slowly and enjoyed the accomplishments of the day.

I am glad I decided to attend.  Even though I was alone I felt like I belonged and it was a nice way to end my school career.