Goooood afternoon, people!

Thanks for all of the support on my last post.  I feel like I have a little hole in my heart for West Chester, but it will heal with time 🙂 haha.

So, last Friday, my family + Russ came up to West Chester to support me in a Kente Ceremony, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.  During the program, each of us was awarded a stole, (the African scarf around my neck), which is a cultural symbol of achievement, wisdom, and community.  The stole was dedicated as an expression of thanks to a person or persons who have helped and supported me along my academic journey [according to the info pamphlet].

Before the ceremony, we took obligatory pictures, since I knew the day of graduation would be hot and rushed (I was right!).

The ceremony itself was short and sweet, and A LOT of fun!  There were African drummers and a lot of cheering 🙂

Of course, I dedicated my stole to my mom, dad, Leland (brother), Russ, and Misu (kitty), as I would not have been able to achieve all that I have without their support and love.

After the ceremony, there was a small reception and then Russ and I went out to a rooftop bar in West Chester.  We sat with some of the people in the nutrition program and shared beers and nachos.  It was a fun way to celebrate the end of an era!

On the day of graduation, I woke up bright and early to finish packing up my room, and then Russ and I went for a run.  We were still out running when I was supposed to be AT graduation.  Oops….

But I showered quickly and got dressed.  I arrived at the parking lot to take pictures with all of the friends I’ve made along the way and the professors that have changed my life.  Unfortunately, those pictures are on my phone and I’m having trouble sending them to my e-mail…But here are some others:

These pictures are with Shannon and Claire and they have been two of my best friends through all of college!  I was happy to be able to sit next to them and graduate with them!  [Christine- I watched the back of your head during the entire ceremony and wish we could have been together, too <3]

We weren’t out there long before the graduation procession began.  I was worried my family would be late, but low and behold, they were ON TIME!  Amazing accomplishment for my family.  Again, I had major chills as I walked into the stadium, GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE.  What?!

It was hot, so I took advantage and rolled the sleeves and bottom of the robe up so I could tan 🙂  It was a while before they called us up, since they had to get through the speeches, etc.  Once I actually got up there, they called my name too early, but hey, they pronounced it correctly!  I think I blacked out because the next thing I knew, I was back in my seat with an empty diploma case.  🙂 Then things got dramatic!  The storm clouds starting coming in, the wind picked up, and people were leaving in crowds.  I wanted to stay for the duration of the ceremony out of respect for everyone else, but then a huge speaker came crashing down and everyone screamed and graduation was cancelled within seconds.  I said it was dramatic, didn’t I?  It was storming within minutes and everyone was running to their cars and the buses.  Thankfully, Christine’s parents drove me back to campus since my loving and supportive family left as soon as my name was called.  Gotta love them 😉

Russ and I headed home shortly after I arrived back at the dorm.  I was staaaaarving and excited for the feast my mom had planned.  We had been going back and forth about where to eat after graduation, and ended up making reservations at a number of restaurants, but more often than not, I don’t really LOVE the food in restaurants, and by eating at home, I could have so many of my favorite people there. Plus- my mom let me choose the menu.

Cuban feast, obviously!

• Ropa Vieja (pulled beef in a tomato sauce)
• White Rice
• Cuban Black Beans
• Yuca with Mojo (olive oil-garlic sauce)
• Mac and Cheese (per Russell’s request…)
• Salad
• Chips, guac, salsa, and veggies for apps
• Mojitos
• Flan
• Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Before we sat down to eat, I had to get more photos, so indulge me for a second here (but ignore the fact that my hair is wet…)

Everything was sooo good, but I also enjoyed the company very much and feel very thankful to have friends and family help me celebrate my graduation!  Without all of the support and guidance from my parents, Leland, Russ, Misu, and my friends, I wouldn’t have been able to be at West Chester, let alone be successful at West Chester.  The night of graduation was full of laughter, food, family, friends, stories, and toasts and it felt like the perfect way to end what has been the best four years of my life.  I can’t quite put into words how thankful I am for everything and everyone that I have in my life, but THANK YOU.

And of course, the only way to properly celebrate is with the Nay-Nay, right?

Seeya later, West Chester!  HELLO, rest of my life!