looking back

I was just journaling for my scrapbook about my graduation. I wrote a "short story", feels that way atleast. I think it turned out pretty good and is blog worthy. Keep in mind all of this happened nearly a year ago...but I just finished writing it so...I hope you enjoy my glimps into the past.

Graduation

I spent nearly three years at University of Phoenix working on my master’s degree in school counseling. The program started with a zero credit class called portfolio. If you passed this class you were allowed in the program. There were a couple of people in the class that didn’t start the program with us, so I’m guessing they didn’t pass. The class started late October 2005 and ended mid December 2005. Because our portfolio class was so small they had to run another portfolio class before we started classes for the actual program. We started classes in February 2006. We had a small break but I still consider October 2005 my starting point.
University of Phoenix is very big on learning teams and group work. We had to split ourselves up into learning teams. For the most part the learning teams did not mix with the two portfolio classes. We stayed fairly segregated. We even sat on opposite sides of the room for the basically the entire program. My learning team started out with five people: Anne, Michelle, Joe, (I forgot her name), and myself. However, (forgotten name), dropped the program after the second class. A couple of classes later Joe moved to California. Other than a few strays we took in (and got burned by) our group stayed at three. I was able to build good friendships with Anne & Michelle. Our lives changed quite a bit during the time we spent together. Michelle bought a new house and had a baby girl, Vivian. Anne also bought a new house and her dad came to live with her. These are just a few of the major life experience I had the opportunity to share with them. We have committed to getting together at least around our birthdays to catch up, if not more often. (I hope it is more often.)
May 17, 2008 was University of Phoenix’s graduation. If you were close to completing your program then you were allowed to participate. Only 5 of us out of 17, decided to take part in graduation: Me, Anne, Michelle, Tara & Larry. Funny I just realized that those of us who participated were all on the same side of the room and those who didn’t were on the other side. J The actual last day of school was July 23, 2008, my 30th birthday.
I figured that since I was earning my masters and turning 30 on the same day that we should celebrate in style. I also decided that since my family would be here for graduation and it is way too hot in July that we should have the graduation/birthday party in May. We had the party outside so that we could play games like volleyball (my favorite), croquet & Mexican Golf. The party was at Seastrand Park which is just up the road from our house. In Vegas the month of May can either be nice and warm or extremely hot. Unfortunately on May 17th it was extremely hot! (The following weekend it was cloudy and cool. L) Gratefully, lots of friends came out to celebrate with me despite the heat.
My house was packed graduation weekend. I had mom & dad in the empty room. Audree, Sean & Austin were in the guest room. I was going to put Craig and his family out in the backyard in our tent, but they ended up not being able to come due to lack of funds. (That’s 3 graduations you have missed Craig, you owe me big!) Fran was going to be on an air-mattress in the living room, or something like that. However, she was too sick to come. (We all know she hates crowds, that may have had something to do with her absence as well.) A surprise guest was Chad (my other dad) and Belva. They got a hotel room at the Cannery. I sent him and invite to the grad/b-day party, not because I expected him to come (he lives very far away) but just so he knew what was going on. It was a major shock (to say the least) when I found out he was going to come for my graduation. It was a great gesture on his side. It was very nice of him to come, especially all that way.
The day was a great one. There are some things I would have changed (all my family there, cooler weather, & start the party later), but all in all it was a great day. Many thanks to all of those who were there giving your love and support.
I want to give a special thanks to my mom who has always supported me in everything I have ever done. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how hard it must have been for her to listen to me talk about going to college. She never once brought up the fact that we couldn’t afford to send me to college. She never once burst my bubble with the reality of the situation. I didn’t think about the money when I was making my plans during high school or even my first year of college. I don’t know how it got paid for but it did and I am grateful. Student loans paid for the subsequent years, which I’m also grateful for, but hate paying on. Thank you mom for believing in me and for giving me the strength and confidence to believe in myself!
I also want to give a special thanks to my hubby, Neal. Shortly after we got married I started taking classes at the community college. Before we were even married a year I decided I needed to go back to school full time; which meant I would only be working part time. Neal completely supported my decision, not only mentally but monetarily and physically. I talked about getting my masters a little bit before I actually went back to school, but no great discussion was had on the matter. I was contacted by U o P, went in and talked to them and signed up for the program. I told Neal that I was going back to school and on which day I started. I signed up for the school without even discussing it with him! Even I’m shocked. However, I knew that Neal would stand behind me and support me without even having to ask him. For almost three years Neal put up with me and my busy hectic ornery self without (much) complaint. He always has my back! He is always willing to support me and make sacrifices for me while I am constantly trying to change and improve. Thank you Honey for always being there for me and for being my rock!