The weekend before Christmas, I finally got to celebrate the end of 10+ years of extremely hard work, frustration, studying, tears, sleepless nights, chronic migraines, and hours spent in the 24-hour Starbucks:
flashback to my first time on those gorgeous stairs:
I officially finished graduate school in September, but the ceremony in Chicago was December 18th. My entire family traveled to the Windy City to celebrate with me, which was very, very special!
I had to be at the ceremony early, so Chance, Paige and Dad went with me and saved seats while I got ready. We posed for pictures under the el/outside of school before the auditorium opened:
My first picture in front of the school - almost 5 years ago:
With some of the gals, getting dressed and ready!
The ceremony took place in the gorgeous Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt. When I interviewed at Roosevelt back in February 2005, I fell in love with the theatre and knew I would walk across that stage one day - though it seems like it took forever!!
My dissertation chair and advisor, Dr. McBride, gave me my official hood:
and, of course, I had to fix my hair. . .
and then I had to stand there for what felt like FOREVER (actually a few seconds) while one of the Deans spoke about my dissertation.
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She read my dissertation (bless her heart)!
Shaking hands with the president of the university. He seemed really proud of all of us and told us one at a time how awesome we are.
After the ceremony, the department had a reception for all 10 of us - the biggest graduating class they've ever had!
with Chance and Paige:
with my 2 super-supporters:
and my tiniest supporter:
Mase is really interested in diplomas, so I'm glad his mom and dad are already saving!
Wearing my favorite outfit! Seriously, this must be what most girls feel like when they put on their wedding dress. I wish I could wear it every day!
After graduation, we headed to one of my favorite restaurants to continue the celebration. Josh and Tabatha joined us and we had one of the best meals I've had in a long time!
The martini crew:
and the other side of the table with their waters:
All in all, the day was such a special celebration. I look back on my time in Chicago with such great memories, and this was the best way I could ever think to bring closure to the whole experience. Of course, I could not have made it through the last few years without my amazing family and friends. Thanks so much for putting up with me through the high highs and the low lows. It feels amazing - the light at the end of the tunnel . . .
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