Graduation Rituals

On Saturday, June 14th, 2 fellow classmates (yeah Jamie and Jodie!) and I attended the baccalaureate mass (with our families) at St. James Cathedral to celebrate Seattle U's graduation. Even though I am not catholic, I am beginning to believe more strongly in ritual and rights of passage. I thought it would be a great way to experience something I could not at WSU. I must admit that it was pretty fun to line up with the rest of the graduate and march into a huge cathedral full of families excited for our accomplishments. My masters degree seemed to be a tougher road than my bachelors degree- especially since I was doing it later in life and while working. It's not as hard to go to class when you're 19 and have nothing else to do except hang out with friends. I got a little choked up at the thresh hold of the cathedral...and by the incense. The three of us lucked out with front-row seats and it was amazing to be a part of. I'm really glad I participated and wish more of our classmates had been there.

On Sunday, June 15th, I officially graduated. Our ceremony was at Quest Field (Seahawks) and it was a brilliant sunny day. I was not as brilliant and I wore nylons and black pants under my black robe- all because I didn't want to shave my legs. I was hot. It was incredible to go through this experience with all my classmates who had worked so hard to be there. We came from all walks of life and careers all to give it up to be school counselors. I have been asked many times why I decided to be a school counselor- some of my answers are wittier than others, but I honestly had the best experience getting to that day of graduation. As it turned out, I was the first person (after 2 people who received awards) to receive their masters degree on that day. It was a bit weird and made for a long few hours after my turn. It went so quickly that my family almost missed my walk across the stage. Another experience I'm glad I experienced. It's hard to believe it's all over. I miss it... and I'm glad it's over.

The four "Jen's" (Jenn, Jennifer, Jenn, Jenny)