May 11, 2008

Tomorrow, the world

Tomorrow, the world

More than 5,000 students graduated from Snowstorm University this weekend. The class of 2008 included Beautiful Smart Wonderful Daughter, who graduated with honors and who earned a degree in English, with a minor in Psychology, and a degree in Magazine Journalism. The School of Public Communications gave her an award for being "an outstanding student who has exemplified strong, sensitive writing and the potential for being a professional magazine journalist." Her senior honors project was a magazine that she wrote, edited, designed, and produced. The feature article in the magazine was a story about a road trip that she took with -- of course -- her three younger brothers.

Two of my extras graduated as well. Film Guy, whom we've known since seventh grade, graduated with a degree in Television, Radio, and Film. He's my daughter's best friend, and they have lived near each other since seventh grade. Even during her semester abroad, they lived just a few blocks away from each other. And his off-campus apartment is upstairs from hers. Later this summer, they will likely be separated for the first time: her career is likely to take her to a big city in the northeast while his will take him to the west coast. Singing Woman, who has been in school with my daughter since kindergarten, graduated as well, with a degree from the School of Visual and Performing Arts. Her career will likely take her to any city big enough to support a symphony.

Today, I kept remembering when they were all seventh graders and they were at my house for Halloween, acting silly and self-conscious because they were getting too old for trick-or-treating. I can remember thinking then they were growing up too fast. And now, they are college graduates, self-confident, mature, and ready for whatever the future might hold.

20 comments:

Gawdess said...

evocative picture, heart tugging post.
Wow.

BrightBoy said...

That is so exhilirating and sad at the same time.

Flavia said...

Oh! Congratulations--to her, to you, and to them all.

susan said...

Congratulations to all of you!!

Addy N. said...

I love the picture- and the post is very touching- as yours usually are. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Two more weeks for us. Congratulations to all the graduates!

BrightStar (B*) said...

Very exciting! Congratulations to all.

kathy a. said...

congratulations!

The Reluctant Rebel said...

I graduated a few months back. I miss my friends a lot. It must be especially tough when youv'e known them all your life.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Beautiful Smart Wonderful Daughter.

Kathy Rogers said...

They do keep growing up, don't they?

Congrats to the grads!

kathy a. said...

it's pretty wonderful, knowing a whole group of kids for so long. daughter chose a college where she knew absolutely no one -- but when she graduated HS, there was a whole gang of kids she had known since age 4, and a few who joined the group a few years later.

it made me feel a little like a memory-keeper, seeing these young adults launching into the world, and remembering them at much earlier times.

Andromeda Jazmon said...

Congratulations to all of them, and you! You are the mother of a college graduate now!

ScienceWoman said...

Congratulations to Beautiful Smart Wonderful Daughter and the Extras!

Silver Creek Mom said...

Congratulations. It's such an exciting time in life! And a bit bittersweet for mom even though I know your as proud as anything for her and her friends.

My turn will be coming oh soo soon.
Hugs

Yankee, Transferred said...

Congratulations to the terrific graduate and her proud mama. I'm in shock at how fast the time goes.
I'll be there before I know it.

Hugs to all of you.

Kelly said...

Congratulations to the daughter and her parents! Such a big day :)

Julia said...

This is bittersweet, but so full of potential. Congratulations, and best of luck to all.

YourFireAnt said...

Wow. The sun was so bright it completely washed out the cracks in the sidewalk in front of Left-handed Guitarist Chapel.

FA

Marie said...

oh. This post makes me wistful for something and I don't know what. Beautiful writing.