Graduation*

I am officially a university graduate.

It’s kind of unreal… while I was going through them the last 4 years of school seemed to drag on forever and never end, but now that they are finished, I’m not quite sure where they went. It seems like yesterday that my Dad sat me down in his office two days before the university acceptance deadline and gently (albeit firmly) told me that I needed to choose a direction for my life and go to school. I was devastated at the time as I chose to take it like he was kicking me out, and I was terrified about my future. I had no idea where to go, what to do, or even really who I was. At 12:30am on the night of the deadline I chose Ghetto U in the City, mostly out of spite as I knew my parents would worry most about me there as it’s not the safest location. Big Dad, being the amazing Dad that he is, drove my acceptance letter 2.5 hours to its destination the day it was due to ensure that it got there on time.

When I made that decision, I had no idea how it would change my life. That one year I spent at Ghetto U changed me in so many ways it’s nearly impossible to list them.. I made some of the best friends of my life there. Bo Bandy, Star*, Pierre, Deeega… I made lifetime friendships with amazing people. Choosing Ghetto U also placed me on a path that would eventually lead me to meet the Hubster, whom I might have otherwise not met, which is really an option I don’t even want to think about. :)

As I finished my year at Ghetto U, the Hubster and I chose to move somewhere were we could start fresh (which I’ll explain when I get to that point in Our Story) and chose Hippie U. It was a huuuge adjustment for me. I felt like I had just found myself at Ghetto U, and had to completely start anew in a new city, new university, new major, new job, and most importantly, new marriage and new husband.

I’d be lying if I said that I loved Senior’s City or Hippie U right away, or even any time shortly after moving there. But in the words of another blogger and friend, it grows on you. And now, as I look back… it did. While a part of me wishes that I could have stayed at Ghetto U and graduated with my friends there, being at Hippie U was an experience that I treasure. While it took me a little longer to open up here, I eventually made amazing friends–Twin, K, Vibes, Dee, François, and soooo many more. I fell in love with teaching here and had experiences that I know I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed in the city. While the university itself is often frustrating, being at Hippie U gave me direction… I’m 23 years old (almost), I know where I want to go in life, and I am happy. I have a wonderful family. I am married to the man of my dreams and love of my life who supports me through everything. I have great friends. And after years of feeling at a loss about where to go in life, I finally feel as though I know what I want to do and I’m taking steps to achieve it. Life is good. :)

The graduation itself was very… fitting… for Hippie U. It was outdoors, so of course it rained partway through the ceremony while our names were being called up. Despite the lack of organization and the rain, it was wonderful. Finding out about my acceptance to the Hippie U Teacher’s College immediately before made the day that much better. I know it was a great day as I broke not one, but BOTH of my beloved cream pumps between my jumping for joy and standing in the mud waiting to graduate. But I didn’t care… it was a perfect day.

My Mom and Dad were there to celebrate with us, and as I walked in the procession I saw Big Dad waiting with a dozen beautiful pink roses for me, which was so touching as he’s the reason I ended up at university in the first place. We ducked out early and enjoyed a wonderful lunch together… I have great parents. Be jealous. haha!All in all, it couldn’t have been better. Well, a sunny day would have been nice, but meh. haha! I AM DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Much love,
Shop Girl*