Graduation

        Finally. Walking across that stage was symbolic of my whole college experience … quick, blissful and proud.

        It’s truly bittersweet. I am not usually the one to look back and think about all that I’ve accomplished and overcame. (Usually I’m too focused on the uncertainty of my future) But, hearing the encouraging words of every close friend and family member and even my adopted parents of my struggles and of how proud they are of me; how proud I should be that I finally finally finally received my degree. It hasn’t hit me until now. One question that my landlady has always asked me (whenever she finds out someone my age is pregnant, joined the military or drops out of school) is how? How did you find it in you to keep going? My simple answer is that no matter what obstacles came before me that might have deterred me from getting a degree from American, I decided a long time ago that receiving that degree was what I wanted. After my first year at American, I asked myself what do you want? What do you want for your future? Graduating from American was my only answer and so I made a plan to find my way back there and I did; and most importantly I did it on my own. On my own terms despite criticisms and suggestions to move back to NJ. If you really want something, you’ll do anything to achieve. Ambition/Passion is everything.

        Now I’m left with just one regret. Although I enjoyed my college experience (though it came with many struggles, academically and personal), I wish I had enjoyed it more… savored the atmosphere and been more involved. 

        And now that I have so much free time, I don’t know what to do. How do you go from working three jobs and taking 15 credits to just working part-time. You don’t. No matter how hard I try to relax and enjoy this “freedom”, most of all SLEEP, I feel like something is missing.

2012

        So now I’m left with asking myself that same question. What is my plan now? Graduate School? Eventually. Baby steps I guess; so for I’m looking forward to doing more volunteer work during the weekends, reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, getting wasted on weekend nights (JK), traveling to Philly/BK/NYC/NJ, vacation to somewhere warm in winter and traveling to Ecuador in November for a wedding, starting a new (full-time) job, gym time on the regular, Peace Corps, seeing Childish Gambino TWICE for my birthday, Identity Festival, summer GRE prep course and enjoying every moment of my adulthood. Turning 23 just got a little less scary… I’ll freak out when I turn 30 instead.  :)