A "Thank You" To The Wonderful People In My Life

First of all I need to thank my Husband for putting up with me on my graduation day. I was stressed... and that should really be no surprise to those of you that know me. I was worried about what I was going to wear underneath my gown, what time I needed to be there, and how I was supposed to know where to go, where to sit, and what to do. It all worked out in the end!

I am so glad I chose to walk because it gave me closure. It sounds weird but I finished my classes about three weeks ago and took my boards on Monday (I passed yay), but it still didn't feel real. It didn't feel like I was done. I'm sure all of you that have gone to school for a good amount of time have felt this at some point. You almost don't know what to do with yourself  when you don't have any homework or tests to worry about.  Walking helped me bring this part of school to an end. I enjoyed talking to my classmates and figuring out what was next for them. I was also excited to find out that there will be twelve other people with me in the mammography program next year (the most applicants they've had in a long time. I'm super excited to start that program and to finish the last year of my formal education.

During graduation I was having a lot of mixed emotions but the number one emotion I felt was gratitude. I am so lucky to have such amazing people in my life. I'll first start with my husband. Not only did he believe in me ALWAYS he had to put up with my craziness ( I always get so stressed and emotional when I am in school). He helped me stay motivated and would always remind me of what was most important. The biggest thing he did for me though was just love me! I'm so blessed to have such an amazing and supportive husband that helps me become a better person. Next is my parents. Not only did they teach me the importance of education they helped me in achieving that dream. They've always loved me unconditionally, and they have always wanted the best for me. I'm also very thankful for my extended family on mine and Jesse's side. I have the best in-laws and the best family ever. Everyone was always interested in what I was up to and how school was going.  I'm also grateful for such wonderful friends. They too have always been there for me. Now I have to give thanks to my wonderful teachers. there are a handful of teachers that really helped me get through my program in many different ways. These teachers not only taught me the things that I need to know, but I know that they really cared. They wanted us to succeed and they would do anything to help us do that. I can't mention everyone by name because there is just too many, but I just want you all to know that I love you and I couldn't have done it without you!

Now what's next...? As most of you know I will be dong the Mammography program starting in the Fall. I currently have two jobs as an x-ray tech and can't wait to better my skills and continue learning. I'm really excited to see what's next for Jess and I!!

Why I'm Choosing To Walk

     When my teachers told me about graduation the first thing that came to my mind is why walk for an associates degree? Not only do I already have one, but wouldn't it be better to walk with a bachelors? Wouldn't it be more of an accomplishment to be able to say I have my bachelors? Most people probably feel the same way as I do. The problem with that way of thinking is we forget how hard someone might have worked to get that associates degree. Some have worked just as hard and sacrificed just as much.  This is the reason I'm walking. Although I'm not done in my journey through school, I feel that this goal to complete the Radiology Program was one of the hardest to reach...but guess what I did it!

     When I first got into the program I had NO clue how hard it was going to be to finish it. I figured I got through the hardest part already (getting in). Once I started I realized how hard it would be. I would spend 3 days (8 hours each day) a week for 2 years doing clinicals. I would study more then I ever wanted to and take some of the hardest tests I had ever taken. I would stress and worry about my grades. I would fear that I wouldn't ever pick it up. I learned things about me I didn't want to admit, like how I was slower on picking up on the clinical side of school. I learned about my strengths and my weaknesses. I learned how to rely on the Lord and that if no one else had faith in me that he did. Without him and my dear husband Jesse I could have never gotten through the program. Every person has different struggles in life and this was one of the biggest for me. So yes I'm going to walk for it, because it may just seem like an associates degree, but to me it is something much more!