Week 19 - Graduation

Week 19 Picture

Last Tuesday, I defended my dissertation. This coming weekend, I walk for graduation. And let me tell, being able to say that feels really good. This is the first time in my life that I am actually excited for the ceremony itself. The countless hours of hard work I put toward earning my PhD gives me the feeling that, this time, I really deserve it. Earning this degree was not easy and reaching this finish line provides me with an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

If you had told me during all those dark years right after I graduated college when I was adrift, my plans of joining the Air Force cut short, unsure what my future held for me that this is where I would be, I would not have believed you. A lot of things had to go right for me to end up where I am today. I can't wait to share this moment with my family and friends. I really could not have done it alone. And as happy as I am with reaching this goal of mine, I'd gladly trade it all away if it meant getting to keep all the wonderful people in my life that make it worth living (you know who you are). 

One of the things I'm looking forward to most this weekend is getting to hold my son after all is said and done, cap in hand, soaking up the moment. I hope that I set a good example for him when gets older. I hope he grows up like I did, with a feeling of empowerment knowing that anything is possible if you are willing to work for it. I'll be honest, I started on this quest with my own well being in mind. However, as I finish it, it's his well being that matters the most to me now. Helping him grow up to be happy and to get as much as he can out of this beautiful thing called life, that's my new goal.