College Grads

Friday, we graduated from BYU!

It was the happiest of days.

After countless hours of studying, working (& playing!), and preparing for this moment: it happened. 

We are official college graduates. 

 Chels and I have been together from the beginning...literally. I still remember the days spent using our wild imaginations building forts in the dumpsters behind our house, the (MAJOR) awkward stages, all the first days of new schools (we moved 11 times growing up-->we had quite a few first days), the dances/plays we put on for our parents on our child-crafted stages, the first kisses, the sports teams, traveling across the world, we did it all. We did it all together. 

As we get older, our paths slowly diverge in different directions (naturally)--> new people, opportunities, and responsibilities enter our lives. So, it was so very special to make this monumental step together--I would have had it no other way.

We spent the day surrounded by our closest loved ones; the people who have been cheering us along the entire way. 

***

They went to two ceremonies (I know, the life of having twins.

We do everything in two's.) Good thing they were short ceremonies: 

Doesn't Chels look so cute riding her bike to the ceremony?

^^I came across this picture and I LOVE it. These two are my angels and my loves.

As I sat in the Marriott Center, I looked up to see my husband, my sweet parents, my sisters, my Garrett family, and my Grandparents smiling and waving at me. I was so overcome with deep feelings of gratitude. I felt empowered. I felt love. I felt confident. I felt strength. Because of them. They are the reason I was sitting in that chair that day. They are the reason I continue fitting for my dreams. The last few days, I have been overcome with love. The moments I look at where my life has taken me and where I am going, I just cannot help but cry. The people and the blessings that surround me give me every reason to be happy.

I am going to miss this life I have embraced for the last four years. I love college. I love the time I spent here. A part of me will always be here. I will forever cherish the experiences and wisdom I have gained from this little Happy Valley. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to soak it all in, as the next chapter of my life is knocking at the door. In less than 48 hours, I will be in front of hundreds of students, some only 4-5 years younger than I am, teaching U.S. History and Govt. in my own classroom. (I graduated with a degree in Social Science Teaching and a minor in music.) I never anticipated doing this but I was guided here for some reason. Although I am just a fresh college grad, there are differences to be made and people to serve. 

I am so very excited and passionate about teaching.

Am I in a little over my head? Probably. Am I nervous? Definitely. Am I ready to instill in the next generation a motivation for learning and a power to follow their dreams? Absolutely. 

 I do not know what the next 50 years has in store--I don't even know what the next year has in store--but I do know:

I want to live a life of learning. I want to live a life with love and passion for what I am doing.  

I want live a life of continual progression and service. 

***Thank you, Mom and Dad, for raising me to believe I could be and do anything.

 Thank you for loving me enough to get me here. 

***

"The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of meaning, joy and passion."