Commencement.

Though it has been official since December, I finally participated in the University of Utah's graduation on Friday. I confess that I initially was not too eager to pay for a gap and gown that I would only wear for two hours just to walk across a stage and receive a diploma that I already have framed in my study. It has been four blissful months since my last ulcer-induced string of Art History papers. Naturally, I figured that since I have distanced myself from school that my graduation would not be as celebratory as most.

In a way, I was right. I wish more than anything that I could have grabbed my diploma a mere days after I feverishly wrote my last term paper. The feeling of achievement, relief, and satisfaction would have been so tangibly sweet and overwhelmingly strong, that it would have been the perfect ending to the undergraduate chapter in my life. I suppose these feelings of regret were the only downside of graduating in December instead of finishing in April.

But I was also pleasantly surprised. As I sat in the commencement ceremony on Friday morning in the Huntsman Center and heard a series of rousing speeches about privilege, obligation, and promise, I could not help but feel overcome with emotion. Not only was I ready to jump out of my seat and immediately make the world a better place (because apparently I can now), but I felt a deep sense of happiness. Although much money has been spent in my behalf; my education truly is priceless. I believe that the ideas, concepts, and principles that I have absorbed over the past four years have become part of my character, just as they have for other students.

I looked around saw hoardes of proud parents, spouses, grandparents, and friends all enthusiastically cheering for their special graduate and at that moment I could not help but think of the many people who influenced my education and pushed me forward. My parents were first to come to mind. After seeing all of the parents that were in the audience, I looked over at my mom sitting next to me, and I could not help but feel deeply appreciative to have such supportive, intelligent, and loving people in my life. Although they never said it outright, I always knew that my parents had high expectations for me and their confidence helped me through even my bleakest hours of studying.

These feelings of gratitude and love only increased as I thought about my siblings, in laws, and friends that took the time over the past years to ask me about my papers, internships, and work schedules. My loved ones always made me feel like they had an active interest in my education and were always available for advice, listening-ears, and much needed sources of laughter.

But most of all, I thought about Rob. For four years he was indispensible as my German tutor, editor, audience, and greatest source of strength, support, and love. He knew the right times to push me forward, challenge my ideas, and question my thesis statements so that I could achieve things that I never thought possible. He always made me feel like I could accomplish anything and everything that I set my mind too and without him as my personal cheerleader I doubt that I could have made a career out of my Art History degree and have such great hopes for the future.

Thanks to everyone who has made a difference in my life, and I want to send a big congratulations to all of the students, grads, future grads, and PHT's (Put Hubby Through's) who diligently strive to make the world a better place. Carpe diem, my friends!