Graduations

Thursday May 7th, Lance graduated from Darton College in Albany with an Associates Degree in Cardiovascular Technology. He participated in two ceremonies. The first was a pinning for the Allied Health students and Lance also received an award for the outstanding student during his clinical rotations.

This is after the ceremony! Lance is holding up his award! We are so proud of him!

Lance and his step-dad, Mr. Michael, after the ceremony!

Lance and I after graduation. Lance's graduation hat was too little and mine was too big! I wish we had the same colors and then we could have traded!

We got one night of rest after Lance's graduation and then we had to pack and head up to Athens the next morning. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English from The University of Georgia. We also had two separate graduation ceremonies and the first of mine was on Friday. It was only for the English Department and it was held in the Chapel on campus. Although it was extremely hot outside, we did have some wonderful speakers. One of the best professors that I have taken at UGA gave a humorous speech on what an English major should look forward to in the years to come! Apparently, I moved too quickly when I was walking across the stage to receive my diploma and the pictures all turned out blurry, but you get the idea!

My diploma from the English department!

My Daddy, my step-mom, Laura, and I after graduation.

My Mom, my step-dad, Sonny, and I after graduation!

Lance and I outside the Chapel after graduation.

On Saturday morning, Lance walked me to Sanford Stadium for the graduation ceremony of all the 2009 graduates! It was just like a game day with almost the entire stadium filled! I got to sit with one of my best friends and old roommate, Alisabeth. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and although it looked like it might rain any momen, it was not the least bit sunny or extremely hot! Thank goodness!


One of my English friends, Natalie, and I before graduation! Our hats were so heavy and floppy! Haha!

This guys hat was my favorite! He put a Where's Waldo picture on top so his family could find him in the swarm of other graduates! It felt like we were playing Where's Waldo all day! Daddy would call my phone and tell me what he was wearing and then we would try to find each other. We actually did a pretty good job of locating one another considering how many people were there that day!

For the last few months so many people have asked me if I would do this big graduation. It is known for being extremely hot and long, but I am so glad I did it! I think it just cements the graduation process and really makes you realize the bitter sweetness of graduation. Before this I really regretted that I hadn't really finished college and would still have two classes to take in the summer, but now I feel so happy that this isn't all over just yet! I still get to hold on to college and being a kid for one last summer!

I am so thankful for my family and friends who have helped me get to this very special occassion! Everyone that ever encouraged me or just gave me advice has made a huge impact on the person I have become! I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend college and I feel that keeping the HOPE scholarship for the last five years has been a huge achievement! Thanks for coming and watching me walk!