Graduation...

Saturday marked the end of my quest for higher education. Although classes ended in December and my diploma is already framed, commencement took place on April 19, 2008. At first I thought it was just silly to take the walk. But the need to mark the end of this particular journey seemed in order. As commencement ended, my brother gave me a hug and said, "Welcome to the Club." What a great club to belong to...the college graduates! A goal I have always wanted to reach but little things kept me from attaining that elusive degree. But with the support of my family, friends, and other loved ones, I was finally able to complete my Bachelors of Science from Utah State University [Go Aggies, Go Aggies, hey-hey-hey!]

Thank you Mallory, Mackay and Duane for supporting my every move. Thanks for putting up with hours of classes, studying, and writing papers. For helping each other with dinner, homework and housework. Thank you for being strong and independent! I love you!

Thanks to all of you "Club" members, for setting the example for your daughter, sister, and friend. Thank you for encouraging me to just go for it! For reminding me that I could actually do it! Thank you for listening to all of my educational stories. Thanks for your love and support!

Thanks to my employees, my boss, and everyone I work with on a daily basis. You are my second family and I will never forget your help and support! Thank you for helping me proofread papers, explaining statistics formulas that I just didn't get, and putting up with leaving early and studying every spare second I could squeeze in.

I thank my professors who paved the road for me to follow. I have learned not only the course material but who I am and who I want to become! Thank you for helping me to stretch my mind and let in new ideas about the world me! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me. I will never forget the life lessons I have learned from you!

I was never alone during my quest! Thank you all for pulling me along, pushing me forward, and letting me lean on you!! It may be my name on that beautiful piece of paper but your names will always be in my heart every time I see it! Thank you for helping me reach my goal! I love you all!