it's time to walk into newly ajar door with a sun shining through the crack

(Around March 2011) "I don't want a college degree,"I told my college consular. "Why not? You have worked here for so long, and you should feel accomplished. Why not just graduate? It doesn't hurt to get the degree. It would be nice to get more than 2 or 3 degrees, right? You worked hard here, and you should be proud of yourself." After leaving the office, I was contemplating about what she had lectured. From the very beginning, I just wanted the degree to be mailed to be and not attend the ceremony. Humiliated I was, how my life wasn't turned out how I planned it; I thought how my timeline was off.

Eventually, I found out a week before the ceremony that I was required to attend there. Again, I thought of what my consular, and what Eric had lectured me about it. It doesn't hurt to get it, the inner voice told me. I also had talked with my brother about how I was supposed be graduating from an university soon but a college. "It doesn't matter, Stacey. There are a lot of people out there that can't even afford to go college. There are a lot of people that can't even get a degree because of conflicts - financially or so forth. You should be proud of yourself; it doesn't matter if you get AA degree now; you've accomplished something," he asserted. I realized he also had a point, and I thought of someone who told me he/she doesn't even have a degree and remembered what that person also told me. It doesn't hurt, right? Despite the timeline, it shouldn't matter, right? I'll persist to work hard anyways. "It's never too late, Stacey, keep it going!" my aunt told me once. I'll continue to strive for BA degree, MA/MS degree, and probably a PH.D or Psy.D. 

Finally, graduation had arrived. Thanks to my cousin, Michelle, for doing my hair and makeups since I don't really know how to do it myself. When I arrived early, I became excited. I also saw my boyfriend and friends who also arrived early for good seats. I was happy; not only because of graduating but because of my family, boyfriend, and friends. When I went around the back to line up, I saw my two of my favorite interpreters: Sarah & Fern! I'm going to miss them very dearly, but thankfully, they have Facebook! haha! Finally, When we all lined up and went around the track to congratulate by many professors. I was looking for my top three favorite professors (whom I mentioned couple of months ago): Professor Ano who teaches Psychology, Professor Chang who Chinese, and Professor Petersen who teaches Human Sexuality. I couldn't find Professor Chang and Professor Petersen, BUT I found Professor Ano. I swear, I smiled brightly when I saw him and waved at him. "Anoo!!!" I shouted. He looked at me and also smiled brightly. I wanted to hug that professor! :( That professor had inspired me so much, and I hope I'll get to see him one day again. Finally, I sat for a whole COLD 2 hours -_- great, really. After the ceremony ended, I met up with my family, boyfriend, and friends. Hugs, kisses, flowers and cards :) Thank you everybody <3

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"No matter what, there is always hope." - Professor Ano

“A journey with a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Wisdom of Confucius.