Graduation Day Has Come at Last!

I'm Now an M.A.!

The ceremony yesterday was all that I had hoped it would be and more. The aura the chapel gives off added to the ambience and mood of the commencement. The speakers both spoke about time. Both encouraged us and the audience to have more discipline and slow down.

There was only about 50-60 grads so the ceremony felt intimate and personal. It was exhilarating to have my named called and walk up to my dean and she put the hood onto me. The hood is that white band over my shoulders. It designates that I now hold a master's degree in arts.

A faux diploma scroll was given to us all. It said something very gracious. If they had a sense of humor they could have given everyone something like a fortune cookie message.

After the ceremony me and my peanut gallery went to enjoy some delicious steaks down at Barnaby's. I enjoyed my prime rib immensely, and I forgot to take a picture of it! I normally take a picture of my steaks as I think it honors the meat. Well, next time I'll have to remember to capture it.

Some of my fellow classmates who graduated in June had come to give their support and wishes of congratulations. It was nice to briefly see them and it was nice of them to attend.

I felt in spirit Jodi and Jim. Jim and I started on this adventure the same year, then we took a year off, then continued. He and I found ourselves in many of the same groups over our second year. We'd remark on the many coincidences we noticed about our paths continually crossing. He wasn't able to attend the ceremony but I brought him into the moment by remembering him. Jodi is my dear-heart, my noble lady and beloved friend whom I met during the start of my second year. She wasn't able to continue with our class. I know she was there in spirit--I could feel her presence beside me, and when I'd look out into the audience I swear I could see her face and eyes smiling at me!

It wasn't like a big June graduation. It was a modest one, but it had just as much meaning and sense of celebration and accomplishment. I'm learning how to celebrate myself. It's not something that I can do easily in a public setting, nor in private. I think it has to start in the private before I can externalize it. Inside I am basking in the sense of "I've done it! I've made it!" and it feels awfully, awfully good!