Graduation Week Is Here
I’ve attempted to recap the last few weeks more times than I can count!
The words simply wouldn’t flow consistently or coherently. I have both too much and not enough going on right now.
This is Graduation week at my school and instead of hosting family as planned, I’m snapping a few photos to commemorate the occasion.
Upon return from my first round of travels, since classes ended, I went to the school to get the details about what is coming next regarding commencement ceremonies.
After some calling around, one of the super nice young ladies put me in touch with the Assistant Dean of Students at my particular college within GWU.
Since I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate Program vs. graduating with another Master’s Degree, that’s it: I’m done.
I applied to graduate back in March. Once all the figureheads review my coursework and grades, I’ll be issued my diploma/certificate. However, I won’t be a part of the ceremonies.
So, when she told me that I wouldn’t be part of the commencement, at first I was like, “yay”!
Then I was like, hmmm really?
Like my hard work didn’t matter???
I do have the brick with my name, year of graduation, and degree as a permanent part of this campus earned August 2003 nearly 20 years ago to the day. August 2003/May 2023 respectively.
How poetic! I hadn’t thought of it until I started classes last year.
Once this weekend is in the rearview mirror, more travel & adventure await and I’m stoked!
However, at this moment I’m focusing on getting some great shots, capturing some great moments & journaling about them. Moments are truly fleeting, it’s so important to document them.
Update:
So, not even an hour past when I wrote this yesterday, I got back and immediately put on my sneakers to go for a walk. On the way back, I finally log in to social media for the day and see a post that stopped me right in my tracks.
My friend Lisa had posted a heartfelt message to a dear friend of hers who shared the same name as a professor I had this last semester at GWU!
The professor and I connected via LinkedIn after the end of this last semester just before I departed for East Asia and I remarked “OMG you know Lisa too?” since we both shared her as a connection.
I was shocked because Lisa’s post was a message sending her condolences to my Professor’s Son and her family about her passing away!
Say WHAAT now?!‼️😳😢💔
I am in shock and at this point just numb.
I made it a point to ask for a photo with her after our last class. I also sent her an email thanking her for being such a thoughtful and thorough instructor. She made what I feared would be a rather dry subject, Public Relations: Research Methods, an interesting one.
I’m just …too stunned! it’s been nearly 24 hours since learning the news, and it’s been hard to process.
This is the season of life for me. I get it. It’s accelerated since turning 40 and hasn’t let up since. But THIS knocked me for a loop!
Professor April Cunningham, you truly were a joy to have as an instructor! I’m so glad we met and I had the pleasure of being in your class. Rest well, Queen🕊️🌸✨
