I picked up my cap and gown on Monday. I guess it’s official that I’m graduating. None of this has felt real to me, but maybe that’s the way it always is. I’m still stressed about a million different things and feeling apprehensive about the future, but I’m ready to celebrate my accomplishment.
It’s weird to think of the person I was when I first came here. I really didn’t know what I was doing. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an academic, but I’d applied to grad school, I’d been accepted, and so I picked up and moved to California.
I made the drive by myself. I thought it was important for me to start off that way–on my own. In the last three years, I have become smarter and more confident. I have also become more neurotic and anxious. I mean, let’s not get too romantic about the whole thing.
When I think of all the work I did to earn this degree, I am proud of myself. When I think of all the work I’m going to have to do to make this degree worthwhile, I’m a little overwhelmed. But, I know that I can do it and that’s the difference between who I am now and who I was when I first came here.
I’m excited to walk across that stage.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats! I can’t believe you’re graduating grad school… I don’t think I’ll ever get that far.
That truly is an amazing accomplishment for you! Congratulations!
Ahhh what an amazing feeling you must have! Congratulations!!
Congratulations again. Its always great to look back and realize how far you’ve come.
I’m so happy for you! And that was just 2, 3 years? Imagine how different you’ll be after your PhD!
Though I haven’t been reading for a long time, I’m proud of you! You worked hard to get where you are, it seems.
I like that distinction between getting the degree and making the degree worthwhile. That’s a very good way of putting things, though I know you’ll make it worth it. Though something like graduation doesn’t make all the stressful things go away, it’s something fun you can get lost in and just enjoy. Congratulations!
I’m sure it seems overwhelming now, thinking about how you’ll really put that degree to use, but you clearly seem to have the brains and the guts to go for it and do wonderfully. Congrats again!
And considering your comments on Twitter about the cap, a picture is necessary on graduation day, ha.
Congrats, Ashley! You deserve it. Every bit of it!
Congratulations! This is SUCH an accomplishment for you, and I know it’s going to be wonderful whenever you walk across that stage!
Yay! Congrats! I’m excited for you. You’ll do great!
Congrats!! Make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself at the ceremony and remember that it’s all about you and your accomplishments!
You’re strange! I DREAD walking accross that stage. If I had my way, I’d be drunk graduation morning. My parents will be there, and as fond as I am of them, and want to be a good daughter, I don’t want to endure the long boring ceremony with other college students (now alums) who I probably don’t know
Looking back at myself when I first entered the realm of college academia is odd. I mean I haven’t finished yet, but I couldn’t be more different from that earlier person if I tried. What a wonderful feeling to have though. And what an enormous accomplishment and sense of achievement you have! I feel like Little Red Riding Hood saying that…
Congratulations! You should be excited.
Congrats on your achievement!
One big adventure is ending but a new one is about to begin. =)
That’s great! You should be SO proud of yourself, that really is an amazing accomplishment! Here I am excited to be done my undergrad degree next year and you’re getting your GRAD degree! Not many people can say that!
Congrats! This is definitely something to be proud of. It takes a lot of work and commitment (and yes, some additions of neurotic traits). God bless you in the steps you take after this!
:-D
Congrats! I love when you said:
“When I think of all the work I did to earn this degree, I am proud of myself. When I think of all the work I’m going to have to do to make this degree worthwhile, I’m a little overwhelmed.”
That’s exactly how I felt when I graduated– and I was just getting my bachelor’s degree! but even though you are overwhelmed, make sure you savor the moment you walk across the stage because you have earned it. so celebrate big!!
It’s so surreal isn’t it?! Congrats on your big achievement!