Graduation

As I moved in to Memorial during welcome week in August 2008, I did not spend a single minute thinking about May 2012. That is exactly how it should be.

Today, I walked across a stage. I don't remember much from my time on the stage except that I forgot to turn my tassel, so my mentor did it for me (as well as for the many other students who were too preoccupied to remember) right before I walked down the steps of the stage. What I remember best are the hugs and kind words I got from my mentor and other professors. I did not know that they would all be there, but as I stepped off of the stage I saw them all in front of me--smiling with open arms. These men and women have spent enormous amounts of time thinking with me, talking with me about life, and supporting me through graduate school applications, thesis, and tough coursework. I know that they will always be in my life, but I am going to miss walking into their classrooms and offices whenever I want. I hope that they will be proud of my work as a graduate student and as, one day, a professor with students of my own.

Then, there is my family. What a wild ride this has been for us. It has been a journey that started with a young girl who wanted to be a lawyer and a pop star. Now, their baby is on her way to graduate school to get a PhD. I could not have gotten here without their support. They have always been cheering me on, and I hope that I have made them proud.

My fiancé has done more for me than I could ever ask for. He has adopted Baylor as his own, attending football games, singing "That Good Old Baylor Line," watching SING!, and supporting our sports teams even when everyone expected more losses than wins. During tough weeks, months, and semesters, he always seemed to be armed with a good joke or a sweet compliment. As I obsessed over graduate school applications, he tried to keep me calm. While I tried to make my decision between graduate schools, he gave me complete freedom to choose where I wanted to go--even though some of my options could have meant limited job opportunities for him. For four years, we have lived two hours away from each other, and he has made it as painless as possible. I feel so incredibly lucky to be marrying him!

Friends...well, you know who you are. From cranes, to uschols, to sisters, you've all become family. Thank you all for the memories and love. Your friendship has been, and will ever be much appreciated. I am always here for you (I'm only a phone call, e-mail, or Facebook message away), just as I know you will always be there for me. When we lean on each other, there is no problem that we cannot overcome.

It has been a blur of a day. I am exhausted emotionally and physically, but I wanted to get this written before I forgot anything. I probably still forgot something. In any case, congratulations to all of the other graduates this year. Remember that we are all a part of the Baylor Line. Because of this, we are all forever interconnected. I look forward to keeping in touch, crossing paths, and seeing you all go on in life boldly, knowing that Baylor University and your experiences here have prepared you well. To my friends in the classes of 2013 and later, I only urge you to cherish your moments at Baylor University. Occupy yourself not with the future, but with the present day.

Consider mission #senioryearnoregrets, accomplished. Sic 'em!