I Did It!

I did it! I completed my Bachelor's Degree today! I think today is the happiest day of my life so far. For the past four years of my life, I have been blessed to be a student at the University of Utah. I got my Bachelor's of Science degree in Health Promotion and Education. I did my major emphasis in Consumer Health and also managed to complete a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I had to work so hard to go to the University of Utah. Not only did I have to work hard with my studies, but I had to work hard away from school to pay for my degree. I am so lucky to have the job I have. It paid my way through school. I also had a lot of family members who pitched in what they could to help. These people I will be forever greatful for. I had lots of family and friends cheering me on for four years. My family is the reason I was able to get a college degree. I'm so proud of myself for what I did. These last four years have definately not been easy, but they are four years I would re-live again in a heartbeat. I'm really going to miss going to the U. I love the school. I loved my major. I don't think I could have done a better thing for myself than to get a degree. I think I went a little overboard with pictures, but I had some great personal photographers (Natalie and Emily), and today and yesterday were two important days in my life that I never want to forget! I still can't believe I did it. Here are some pictures of both my ceremonies.

To start with, I actually had a successful graduation dress shopping trip. I always hate shopping for dresses and skirts. I went out dress shopping, not expecting to find anything very easy. Well, I walked into a store, walked passed a rack, looked at one dress on the rack that happened to be my size, and decided it was fate. I tried it on, loved it, and decided to get it. We definately had to do some model photo shoots before I covered up in my graduation gown.

These next pictures are from the College of Health Convocation on Thursday May 6th. It was a bit chilly up at the U, but I was too happy to notice the cold.

Me and Grandma Stapley. It meant so much to me that Grandma came up to Salt Lake just for my graduations. She even flew on an airplane all by herself to come. It was her first time flying without Grandpa, and we were so proud! I love you Grandma!

In the Huntsman Center before convocation.

Me walking shaking hand with the Health Promotion Professors.

Walking across the stage being careful not to trip.

These are the Bachelor's students from the College of Health. This includes my major, Exercise science majors, Occupational Therapy studies, Communication disorder majors, and Parks Recreation and Tourism majors. I am in there somewhere....

My mom was really tired after the College of Health Convocation. But I think she was happy. :)

Cute, look at my parental units! I'm so greatful to my parents for letting me live at home during college. I'm so greatful to all they did to help me get through it. They have been so encouraging. I'm their first kid to graduate from the University of Utah. They were quite excited about that. My mom was the last in our family to graduate from the U. My dad is a Weber State grad and Maddie and Ben are Utah State grads. It was an honor to sort of follow in my mom's footsteps.

University of Utah Commencement, Friday May 7th. I'm marching in there somewhere. The U had over 7,000 graduates this year! The youngest graduate was 18, and the oldest 74. I feel cool to say that I'm 21 and graduated from college, even though I'll be 22 in a month. It just makes people think I'm ahead, even though I'm not. ;)

Once again, I'm somwhere in the sea of red and black.

Presiden Michael K. Young of the U of U. Governor Huntsman was the speaker. He actually gave a really good presentation. It was motivating and inspiring.

Me and My cousin James graduated on the same day! James graduated with his Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Congratulations James!

My and my parental units. I sure do love them!

My and my Aunt Judy. I'm so glad Judy was at the graduation today! She is truly inspiring when it comes to education.

My family!

I am so happy today! Today, I will never forget what I did. I really can't believe I'm a college graduate. Now, I have to brag about my Grandpa Stapley once again. During my commencement, I could not help but think of my Grandpa and try to picture him sitting up where my family was. School was one of the most important things to my grandpa. I recently found a card my Grandpa had written to me at my highschool graduation. The things he wrote to me then did not touch me as they did when I read them the other day. I finally realized how cool of a thing I did by getting my Bachelor's degree. Last fall, my grandparents were living with us as my courageous grandpa went through chemotherapy. During this time, I was submitting all of my graduation applications to be able to graduate today. I remember the day I got all my applications turned in. I told my grandpa and he was so excited. I think everyday after that, he made a comment about me graduating from college and how cool that was. Though my grandpa wasn't at graduation in person, I know that he was aware of what I was doing today. He is amazing and I love him. How did I get so lucky to have so many motivating and inspiring people in my life? I will never know, but I am greatful for them all. Go Utes!