Graduation & Exciting News

The past week of my life feels a bit surreal. A week ago today I was picking up my mother at the airport before heading to dinner at the President’s (of the college) house. Now, after many ceremonies, festivities, celebrations, and 18 hours of driving, I am home in Colorado.

Last Friday was our Baccalaureate service and Saturday was Graduation. Each year, my College holds Graduation in a beautiful outdoor garden on campus. This year, we were threatened with rain but I crossed my fingers and said my prayers and…it didn’t rain! It was overcast, but I soon realized this was a blessing when one has to sit outdoors in a black robe in Memphis in May.

Without further adieu, I present to you a series of photos I like to call, "I can't believe they actually gave me a Diploma."

{The part where I received my Diploma.}

{Cool, a hood...}

{Recessional.}


{Friends.}

{I have fantastic relatives who come to see me graduate!}

The English Department hosted a champagne reception right after the ceremony. It was really nice and I got a few photos with two of my favorite Professors from this past semester.

{Professor Richards; "Chick Flicks and Macho Movies"}

{Professor Richards; "Senior Seminar: American Gothic" Yes, they are married.}

{The traditional Parents & Graduate shot.}

{Lovely cousin Jane.}

{Parents & Graduate Take 2}

It is a school superstition that if you walk over the Seal before Graduation you won't graduate. I am not terribly superstitious but I had never once walked over that seal in 4 years, even thought it is the most direct path through Palmer Hall from one door to the next, nor had I ever seen anyone else walk over it. Actually, I take that back, I did see a student walk over it once and I was so shocked I stopped walking to gape. Anyway, one of my favorite parts of the ceremony was during the Processional when we walked through Palmer and directly over the Seal! Of course, I needed a picture standing on it.

To be honest, it still hasn’t really sunk in that I am a College Graduate. {Especially when I’m desperately trying to find a summer job!}

I do have some very exciting news to share.

I spent a good part of my last semester applying for a Grant through the Spanish Government to teach English in Spain. Yesterday, I received an email offering me a Grant and a position!

I don’t know a lot yet, only that I will be in the region of Andalucía (that’s in the Southern part of Spain). I am technically a Language and Cultural Assistant and I could be assigned to any grade level to assist with English and also lead cultural exchange. I don’t know what specific city or town I will be in yet or when I leave, but as soon as I know, I’ll let you know. For now, I’m still basking in my excitement, shock and relief.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m also already starting to freak out a little bit. There are so many fears—what if I can’t teach? What if my meager Spanish skills aren’t enough and don’t improve? What if I don’t make friends? etc. However, I have a whole summer to mentally and physically prepare for this next adventure in my life, so I plan on taking it one step at a time—and watching a lot of Spanish television.