At the end of last spring semester, I decided I would ‘walk’ for my Masters. It seemed like a pretty good idea. Besides, during my initial visit weekend at UMD, one of the more advanced graduate students had mentioned that she participated in graduation ceremonies for her Masters and it was a good way to celebrate the process. Cause, you know, the process can seem so long, and you need a way to remind yourself that you are making progress; there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I also knew that if I didn’t decide then that by the time official paperwork was due (i.e. mid-semester) I would be completely unmotivated to do so. There’s something about being in the middle of a hectic, overwhelming semester that makes you not want to participate in life.
As expected, by the time mid-spring semester rolled around I was totally not feeling it. Actually, mid-fall semester I was completely not feeling anything. We’ll just call it the worst semester ever. #seriously I was experiencing all the emotional lows. I’m surprised I even still have friends after that semester. (There was definitely an intervention replete with wine and chocolate.)
Even during the last few weeks leading up to graduation, I was still not excited. I was perhaps the most unexcited graduate ever. I had ordered and mailed the cutest invitations (s/o to Ziggy for the senior head-esque photo shoot), coordinated flight arrivals/departures, planned a weekend of activities for incoming guests, figured out catering for the celebratory dinner, and basically over-thought and over-stressed myself out about the entire ordeal. Ahhh. . .yes, I had really stressed over if everything would go smoothly, if everyone would be happy, if the mix of friends would mix well. And, as I was expressing all these anxieties to a friend, he said: Remember, everyone is there to support you. It’s your day, and they want you to be happy.
And, you know what? He was right. Everything went so much better than I ever could have anticipated! There was lots of great food, laughs, sightseeing, friendly debates (because yes all my friends are pretty much nerds), and overall wonderful memories. As per usual, my worry was unwarranted.
Two years have flown by, but it wouldn’t have been possible with God’s provision – with this opportunity to be in graduate school, daily needs, and a supportive community. Without the immense support of friends, family, and strangers, this would not have been possible. I look forward to the next few years and receiving my PhD. Next graduation, I’ll have my speech ready and y’all are gonna give me the floor!
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might think or ask.
Ephesians 3:20
