Graduation Weekend

I finally did it! After four long years of papers, projects, and hours upon end in the library I finally graduated from Miami University with my Bachelors of Science in Business - majoring in Accounting degree. It has been a long road but worth every hard moment to have that diploma in my hand now.

Here is a recap of the graduation weekend:

My roommates, Heather, Lindsay, & I, walking to the stadium together with our family and friends. Our last walk together as roommates in Oxford :/

All the graduates at Yager Stadium awaiting the commencement ceremonies to begin.

It was really funny watching all the parents, grandparents, etc. of the graduates in the stands. Everyone was standing on their seats waving their arms and shouting to their graduates in hopes they would be able to pick them specifically out of the crowd of 10,000+ people. Eventually I did find my family... I think it helps that Geoff is 6'5" and was wearing an orange shirt!!

Walking across the stage as Miami University's newest alumni.

Disclaimer for the bright red gowns: Our graduating class was the Bicentennial Class and so they had us wear the red gowns because we were 'special.' It was very neat to be a part of such a great history of the university... just very bright all weekend.

After the commencement ceremonies, my family and I walked around campus for one last time and took pictures at all Miami's "hot spots."

The above pic is me outside my second home... the library!! Saying my final goodbye was not too hard! Many late, long, miserable hours spent there... ugh

My family!! I am so thankful to have been able to spend the day and celebrate with them. I love them so much.

My mother and her children :) ... three more years and we will both be college grads

My handsome fiance and I in front of MacCracken Hall... the most photographed place on campus.

I am so thankful for all of Geoff's school and career support. He is amazing and I can't wait to build a life with him. We are going to be a great power couple!!

My final walk through campus was amazing... holding hands with the one I love (corny... I know!)

Ok, there's a story:

Miami has many, many legends/traditions on campus. One of those legends includes the Miami seal seen in the picture. This seal is located in the middle of campus, at one of the busiest intersections on academic quad. Hundreds of students walk BY this special seal everyday, but make certain they do not step on the seal. This is because the legend is that if you do step on the seal you will fail your next exam. Students everyday dodge and make a clear point to walk totally around it fearful of failing their next exam.

Geoff and Josh, obviously, thought this is was a very funny legend and I needed to now walk across it because I am not a student anymore. I still did not want to walk across it because I am an alumni and want to be faithful to my alma mater... and maybe also because I have to take the CPA exam in a couple of months and may be a little fearful of failing!! Haha :)

The picture is of Josh trying to get me to step on it!

Emotions were high all weekend. Many bittersweet moments. It is so exciting to finally be done with college and to have accomplished a great goal, but sad to be leaving Oxford and my home for the past 4 years. I will miss all my friends, professors, and fun!! Great memories were made and will always be remembered.

Thanks mom and dad for all of your support, love and wonderful examples. I would not be the person I am today without the both of you. I am thankful to have such great parents and cannot wait to embark on all the new journeys ahead of me knowing I have you two to always lean on. I love you both very much.

I'M DONE!!! Ready to take on the auditing field... Deloitte here I come!