WSU Graduation!

Well, I finally did it! Fifteen years after my first college class, I have finally graduated with a degree! I only changed my major four times, and attended 9 years of college all together!!!

We were the first class to graduate on campus, outside on the green at WSU tri-cities. We were all a little concerned about being hot, but the weather cooperated nicely. A light cloud cover came out when we marched in, and it didn't start raining until we were pulling out of the parking lot! Washington State Governor Gregoire, and the outgoing WSU president spoke, and both were quite good. I especially enjoyed Gregoire's speech. She was interesting, down to earth, realistic, funny, and thoughtful. After working to get her elected, it was especially rewarding to have her speak at my graduation!

Gram, Mom, Dad, and Matt all attended, and because we got there a little early, they got great seats! They waited out the sun under the umbrellas that we remembered to bring, which really made it much less miserable (I'm told).

I was able to graduate with a bunch of girls that I have had in classes for the last several years, one of which has become a good friend. Inna is Ukrainian, has two children, and is only 21 years old! She is a smart cookie though, and it has been fun getting to know her. I will miss seeing her in my classes and commiserating about finals!

My final classes went well, and I was able to get the As I needed to graduate Summa cum laude - a goal I have had for several years. It feels good to realize a dream in good form :>). I still have one more class to finish - the third quarter of physics, and I am really done. (I got to walk in May because my class only goes for four more weeks, but I technically graduate in August.) I am doing well this quarter and just finished my midterm today. Only a final and a few more labs, and it's over!

I am applying to Eastern Washington University for in the fall for their teaching certification program. I just have to get transcripts send from BYU and write my little entrance essay, and I have completed all the admission requirements. In fact, the day after graduation, I got to get up at 5:30 and drive to Walla Walla (about 1 hours and 15 minutes), and take the WEST-B, a test all teachers in Washington are required to pass. It was fairly easy, and I am hoping that I passed all three sections first try! I will find out the first week in June.

A quick thank you to all of those who made this possible. To my husband, who said he always knew I would finish, and who helped my limp through my worst subjects (physics and calculus), my family who encouraged me, and the teachers who gave me the tools to learn the material! Thanks everyone!