The One with the College Graduation

I think by now you understand that the four years I spent at Spring Arbor University were some of the most formation and more memorable years of my life. 

People always told me that college were the best four years of their life.

I wasn't sure how that was possible.

High school was awesome for me. 

And I had to leave home--5 hours from home--to experience this next stage of life. 

But they were right. 

It wasn't always peachy keen.

How could it be?

What with loads and loads of exegetical assignments 

and living within 2 square feet of 30 other emotional girls.

That, my friends, is just craziness.

But it was the best craziness ever. 

On May 17th, 2008 I walked across a stage in front of my peers and my family.

I accepted a diploma.

A Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy/Religion from Spring Arbor University. 

It was a bittersweet day.

I was thrilled to be finished! 

But I was so saddened to be done. 

And today I remember those days. 

The Friday evening Baccalaureate.*

The Saturday morning Commencement.

And my last night living with my best girls. 

*woah! I totally spelled that word correctly on the first try! 

::Kevin and I receiving our award certificates and cords::

he graduated Cum Laude and I received Summa Cum Laude 

::walking into the plaza with my best friends::

This is an SAU tradition--

we said hello to college around the oak tree

as we all held a piece of commemorative ribbon.

And we said goodbye around the new plaza

as we held another piece of ribbon and a live branch of ivy

 (to be planted and watched multiply--just as we would.)

::stealing a kiss::

with Britt popping into the moment. :)

::Dr. Ken Brewer was one of the professors to cut our ribbon::

He was the most influential mentor in both of our lives and performed our wedding 7 days later.

::My girls::

(minus Ang and Bets who had to finish student teaching!)

::Kevin and I with great friends Sarah and Caitlin::

SAU was marked by our relationships with these girls!

::after the service we girls spent the evening packing our belongings

eating ice cream cake

and being crazy.

::Kevin's Dad--a Business office employee--gave the opening prayer over our commencement

and even presented Kevin and I with our diplomas

::Kevin and his bro::

::my Grams and Parents celebrating the moment::

::WE DID IT!::

I get a bit weepy experiencing those memories all over again. 

Some days I wish I could have them back.

But most days I'm just thankful.

Thankful to all those people and circumstances that helped prepare me for where I am today.

They will always hold a special corner of my heart.

I hope SAU and my best friends will always be a part of my life.