One week ago today, I was lining up outside of the Patriot Center (or Eagle Bank Arena…?!) getting ready to walk across STAGE to be handed a little piece of paper that represented three and a half years of late nights cram sessions, loads of homework, and plenty of final exam days. My college experience was not a traditional one. I lived on campus my freshman year and then moved back home to save money by commuting (which I don’t regret at all). But most of my college years revolved around building a business at home, working part-time, and trying to get good grades while doing so. By the grace of God I still had friends by the time graduation rolled around! Haha!! I’m so thankful to have been a part of the Honors College community at George Mason during my undergrad career, and SO glad I lived on campus my freshman year. I would have never met the people I did and developed relationships with them. I technically graduated in December, and I didn’t think I was going to get to walk because I booked a wedding on commencement day, but I was so happy when I found out that you don’t actually walk at commencement, you walk at your school’s convocation! And the School of Business had theirs on a Friday!! Woo hoo! I will never forget walking up to stage with Dana and seeing my family in the stands cheering for me among 5,000 other people. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience… and I don’t know if I’ll ever graduate with another degree! So I’m so glad I did this and experienced graduation for all its meant to be! :)
The week started off with going to Tessa’s graduation on Thursday and then the Honors College reception afterwards!
In case you didn’t know, Tessa is my maid of honor! I grew up with her and we were roommates freshman year. I cried when she walked across stage! I’m sure our parents were thinking, “wasn’t it just yesterday that it was kindergarten graduation for these girls?!”
On Friday morning, I attended an awards ceremony for the School of Business. I was awarded the Excellence in Major achievement for maintaining a GPA within the top 10% of my graduating class.
There was a reception after that too, so basically I had my fill of lemon tarts and eggrolls over the course of these two days. Haha.
Graduation time!!! Can you spot me and Dana?!
How about now?!? Lol!
Walking up to stage…
Yayyyy!!!!
We met for photos at the pond afterwards, and I hope this isn’t the last time I get to be on this campus in front of Mason Pond. I can’t believe how fast college went by…!
I’ve been banned from “the hand” …
Then things just started getting silly.
In front of the seal!
And of course, the Mason statue grad pics couldn’t be passed up… worth the wait in the line!
I think my dad was just as excited as I was…
This is a line from a Taylor Swift song (duh) and I think it sums up my college experience pretty well… :)
