That's the only thought I had in my head last Saturday, as I'm waiting in line to receive recognition of my A.A. degree (and all the hard work I put into it this year). Everything was just so good. I kept thinking that someone was going to pinch me, and I'd wake up. Seeing my friends and family wave at me, I felt like an athlete about to receive a medal. Here I am, at the end of the race. Taking everything in, and amazed at being able to catch my breath.
I was so nervous when I walked on stage. I should have been more assured of myself, because I think my pics came out pretty rough. I look shaky, and afraid of doing something wrong. At least, the one where I shake hands with the professor looks decent. Oh, well. My parents took pictures beforehand. If nothing else, those snaps should be good.
Two things were more encouraging than anything else during the ceremony. An encouragement that the composer Handel worked night and day during rough times in the economy. It was during this time that he wrote "Messiah", which has one of the most well known choral pieces "Hallelujah Chorus". Dr. Kutler said,"You never know. You might be one chair away from the next Handel." Handel is one of my favorite composers, for a little known work called "Te Dettingen Deum". I listened to it, while reading "The Arts and the Bible" by Francis Schaeffer. For those of us who are creative, it's very cool. The second thing was a poll to see who took the longest to earn their degree. I thought five years was pretty long for someone like me to finish an A.A. However, one student had taken twenty-five years to finish his degree. Everyone has to operate on their own timetable I guess.
At the end of the stage, each student shakes hands with Dr. Kutler (college president). All of the sudden, a memory came rushing to mind. A year and a half ago, I was going to make a "sales pitch" to get SPC a network on facebook, just like the other major universities (i.e. USF, FSU,etc). The meeting never took place. By the time I got to Gibbs campus that day, I had just missed him. However, I did meet with the vice president of S.G.A., and showed him my hip powerpoint, that even had a movie clip from "The Two Towers" with it. I think I also used the quote, "What we have here, is a failure to communicate." This was back in the day, when I really wanted to see Student Activities on campus flourish. I wanted to use every available resource to invite people to bible studies, and even anti-spiritual activities like sports, or movies. So, yes I did have my own agenda, but I figured Christians should be the ones setting the trends for the rest of world, not the other way around.
In any case, that memory faded, and I reached to shake his hand with a cautious smile, and Dr. Kutler told me,"Be careful that you don't trip." This was not exactly what I expected to hear, but seeing the pictures, it makes more sense now, than it did at the time. A friend congratulated me earlier last week, and jokingly told me not to trip on stage as well. I was wondering if they both planned a conspiracy to make me fall on my face, or if I have "clutz" written on my forehead.
I've never had a formal graduation until this past weekend. I earned a G.E.D. eight years ago, and celebrated at home. Words can't describe the feeling of joy and accomplishment in finishing something like this. It seemed to good to be true.
All in all, it was a great day to finally relax. I enjoyed talking to friends I haven't seen in what seems like years now. Even though my family came as far as Alabama to come see me, they have no idea how much it meant for me to see them there. That's not a dig against any family member, or friend, who couldn't make it. No one is in the doghouse. I think one of my greatest strengths is being aware of the present. I'm grateful for graduating, and for both friends and family helping me make it through. If all the people who helped me get to where I am today where present, their would not be enough room for them all. There were several people who were there in spirit and crowding out the place.
Praise God! Time to move on to something else, like a job.
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