This weekend has been a whirlwind of emotions, to say the very least.

On Saturday, December 15th, the culmination of the last three years of my life finally came: my graduation. It was a day I’ve been looking forward to for years, but especially this year. At times, I wondered if I could do it – but the band of family and friends and above all, my husband, who stood by my side assured me that I was capable (THANK YOU!).

A miniature back-story: A week before student teaching began this semester, my professor/advisor called me to the college for a meeting. When I arrived, we met with the College Dean for a meeting I was not prepared for. Earlier that week, my dad had gone into the hospital due to multiple seizures and had remained in the ICU through what was suppose to be my first week of student teaching. The dean and my professor advised me against student teaching this semester, citing that everything I had been through in the last year may render me emotionally unable to handle the demands of student teaching. I stood my ground, refusing to back down and take a semester off. I have to admit, I was extremely frustrated! Why on Earth would I give up now, after I’ve fought so hard all year to make it to this point? Granted, these folks had witnessed very little of my true stubbornness (and persistence) until this point. I may have been crying (from frustration), but underneath those tears was a smile, because I knew I would prove them wrong.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude and Kappa Delta Pi – meaning, I kicked ass. (sorry! it’s true! 🙂 )

To top off my day, Kristen surprised me and came to graduation. I can tell Liam one day that he was there when Mommy graduated! Thank you, Kristen.

Here’s a look at my big day: