After 5 years at BYU, I'm finally a college grad. I remember taking my first chemistry test as a freshman and thinking there was no way I'd ever be accepted into nursing school. 2 and 1/2 years later I remember going to new nursing student orientation and thinking I'd never finish, it was too far away. It's amazing what you can do with Heavenly Father's help and lots of support from family and friends. I have lots of things now that I didn't back in 2004 when I started school. I now have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a husband that's perfect for me and a beautiful 2 week old baby boy. I look back at how things were when I was 18, everything was so different! I'm so grateful for all I've been given. Also, let it be known I am SO excited to be done with school, although I'm sure I'll soon miss roaming BYU's campus and I'll certainly miss all my nursing school friends. Here are some pictures of my big day, there are quite a few of them. Since it was hard work to get here, I feel a multitude of pictures was warranted :)
Jackson and I getting ready to line up for the procession.
Nursing friends also waiting in line: Left to Right: Klysta Goodsell, Amy Kotter, Me & Jackson, Starla Aragon, and Sue Groth.
Me and my friend Kelly Wight headed up the ramp amidst the procession. My friend Angie Theuson is in the far left corner.I know a lot of people don't go to their commencement ceremonies because they figure they'd rather just show up at their college convocation. I am SO glad I went to commencement. It was the coolest feeling to walk into the Marriot Center with the rest of the April 2009 graduates and see the entire audience standing. I got the chills when I walked in and even now I get the chills thinking about it. There was an overwhelming feeling of achievement and love in that room. The air was almost electric with excitement. I felt blessed to be there. It was both humbling and gratifying.
My mom's camera is the coolest. She shot this from across the Marriot Center! I'm right in the middle and slightly the the left, next to my friend Esther Vasefi.
Little Jackson enjoying commencement excercises. Reports from my parents and Troy said he slept through it all.
Once again, coolest camera in the world. President Uchtdorf spoke at commencement. His address was excellent. I just love President Uchtdorf.
Walking up the stairs after commencement.
Mingling after commencement. There were so many people. I loved seeing everyone in their blue gowns.
Look who we found! Ryan & Christy Dalling. Ry graduated with his MBA so he got a cool hood. I love that we have this picture.
A few of my nursing friends didn't know I'd had the baby. Here is Britta Jensen and Natalie Waite being extra surprised.
My parents with Jackson and I. I couldn't have made it to graduation without them. They have been so wonderful to help me. And they helped me succeed in many more ways than one. I would have been lost without their tremendous encouragement year after year. I'm so glad they could be there for the big day.After commencement Troy, Jackson and my parents and I walked around campus to take some fun shots. Troy was loving playing with the settings on our new camera.
Me in front of the JFSB. I worked inside this building at the Sociology department for 4 and 1/2 years!
By the JFSB fountain inside the courtyard. I looked down on the courtyard from our office everyday.
In front of the Spencer W. Kimball Tower also known as the SWKT (pronounced swick-et :) I had most of my nursing classes in this building.CONVOCATION: April 24, 2009
This part was just with my nursing peeps. Larry Glewix, coach of the Highland High school Rugby team, gave my convocation address. He gave an excellent speech. I wish I'd had something to take notes with. There isn't anything cooler than walking across that stage and getting your fake diploma. I LOVED it.
This part was just with my nursing peeps. Larry Glewix, coach of the Highland High school Rugby team, gave my convocation address. He gave an excellent speech. I wish I'd had something to take notes with. There isn't anything cooler than walking across that stage and getting your fake diploma. I LOVED it.
Each graduate was able to pick a quote and a picture to be displayed on the projector screen while we walked. Mine was by C.S. Lewis "Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see."
And this is me walking the wrong way back to my seat. Those rows in front of me is where the faculty sat. I looked up and saw one of my favorite professors, Peggy Hubert, shaking her head frantically and gesturing back the other way, funny!
Group nursing shot of our semester. I'm in the middle.
Nursing friends! Top row left to right: Me, Joanna Clayton, Abby Levi, Heather Colledge. Front row: Heather Westergaurd, Sue Groth, Klysta Goodsell, Esther Vasefi, and Lorette Beck.
Dear sweet Esther. She got me through school when I contemplated changing my major. Nursing school was rough, but it would have been much rougher without her.
Me with the Bushmans. Regan, Lexie and Stephanie & Madi came too, but they had to head out before pictures.
My family. Dad, mom, Troy and Grandma and Grandpa Mabey. It was fun to have so much support at the ceremony. I felt very loved.
Goodbye BYU! I'll miss you, but since I have a husband completely dedicated to your football program, I know I'll be back for lots of visits. Farewell!
