That being said, I have had 3 graduations from school in my lifetime. I never went to a school that did kindergarten graduation or anything silly like that so I'm not counting those.
The first was my graduation from high school. Timpanogos High School, to be exact. Now, I wasn't super excited to walk or even go because, in my opinion, it takes about a pinch of effort to graduate from high school. But when the day came... I put on my cap and gown. Wore the awesome lei that my friend's mom had gotten us. Walked. And smiled when they called my name. I had done it. It may not be a huge accomplishment but some people don't do it. I was proud and it felt good.
My second graduation was from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor's degree in Community Health- emphasis in Health Services Administration. I have to admit, I was pretty excited about this one. 4 years. 120 credits (at least). Plus, I had just gotten married and my whole fam was there to support me. This time it was actually kind of cool. Not everyone has a college degree. I felt as though I had set myself apart from other 22 year olds cruising around. It felt good. Plus, my parents were proud, and it always feels good to make your parents proud.
This month I graduated from Provo College School of Nursing. This had been a wild ride. I have always wanted to be a nurse, as long as I can remember. But through various experiences and such, I didn't think I had what it took to get into a program in Utah and actually do it. Long story short, 2 years ago (just one year after graduating from UVU), I knew I needed to go back to school to become a nurse. I had to do whatever it took. It was just the right thing to do. Now here I stand, 25 years old. Pregnant. Nursing school graduate and preparing to take the NCLEX.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about my graduation. I kind of had a "been there, done that" feeling. But I still wanted to walk for myself and for my family. I am so glad that I did. Nursing school has been such a long hard road and I have had the support from so many people. It was different than my first degree. Not necessarily harder, just different.
At the end of the day, success feels good. No matter what you have or have not accomplished before. Committing to something and sticking it through feels good. I am so grateful for my education and the blessings it will bring me and my family. I also look forward to my next graduation (whatever it may be), because lets face it, deep down I love school and learning and I will never stop my pursuit of knowledge.
