Graduation

I know I already shared how I have completed my journey of getting my master's degree, but I want to continue to celebrate.

I've graduated 3 times.  The first time I graduated from high school.  I always knew that graduation would come.  I planned on attending college from a young age so high school graduation was a given. I graduated 3rd in a class of 104 students.  I was proud of my achievements.  I was ready to move on.

My second graduation was from college with my bachelor's degree.  I completed my bachelor's in 3 years and 2 terms (we had 3 terms each year).  I took a term off to get married my sophomore year.  It was difficult being newly married and finishing college, but I did it.  I maintained good grades and had a job upon graduating.  I was proud of my achievements and for working through difficult times.

My third graduation just happened.  I graduated with my master's degree.  I'm actually getting teary-eyed just typing this.  I earned this one.  I hadn't always planned on getting a master's.  When I did, I believed it would benefit me and was excited to embark on the adventure.  I didn't know MS would slow my pace.  I began the degree young and confident and capable.  I'm ending the same, but most of the time I move in slow motion compared to what I used to do.  I can't be reckless with my health. When everyone else is staying up until 1 am to finish a paper, I've been asleep for 3 hours and will have to do it later.  I stopped doing housework to get this degree.  I had to let things go.  I had to learn what was the most important (people) and not worry or even think about anything else.  I fought for this degree.  I sacrificed for it and am more proud of this achievement than anything else I've accomplished. This means more to me than all other graduations and probably always will.  I went through the fire and came out victorious.  I didn't simply survive.  I thrived.

I am eternally grateful to those who helped me achieve this.  I never could have made it alone.  I'm thankful I made it and never let myself quit.