Well, where do I even begin. Today was the day I became a graduate and Alumni from the Pennsylvania State University. I still am having a hard time acknowledging the fact that I graduated, I truly and really did graduate (minus the fact that I did not actually walk at my graduation ceremony today, but will in August). The past four years of my life have been truly an amazing experience filled with memories and friends made. It's a bit funny to me at the moment because a little bit ago a best bud of mine was talking to me about how it feels like only yesterday we were attending golf camp at Penn State (yes, golf camp and no I am not lying) and today I graduated from there. And this comment made me think back on how my journey started and has brought me to where I am now (England). 
Well, I have always wanted to go to Penn State for college, and no it was not solely because both my parents attended Penn State, but I have always been set on attending there and becoming a teacher (may sound corny, but it's true!). I had attended football games with my dad and my friend when I was younger and then I started coming up for golf camp, for yes four year throughout high school. I had always been up to State College and loved it! Then I finally made it and started my journey in June after my high school graduation. It was a bit nerve wrecking to me because I was not an outgoing person that could just walk up to people and start making conversation like some people I know, but some how that was what I did and that is how I started my friendship with one of my best friends at school and sharing this amazing life experience in England with! Throughout my four years I have made a number of friends, memories, enjoyed countless football games among a million (little bit of an exaggeration) other sporting events, a number of music events, school events, and other things that at the moment I can't think of. Any way, back on track, I started off a quiet, shy, stick to what I know type person and now I can say I feel that I have seen myself grow as a person and open to new experiences (maybe not all, but I am still trying, can't change completely in some aspects of my life). 
today partly because of Lauren. Always trying to get me to do things I would not have done on my own or trying new things (sushi for one). I have also made other best friends while at school, they all know who they are, some are (were) my roommates others I had classes with and shared the student teaching experience with during the entire senior year. I feel like I was able to make a group of friends that I feel I will remain in contact with as I continue on my journey (where ever I end up). I hopefully will grow even closer with my friends, like my parents have with their college buddies. 
I've caught myself thinking
today that it's sad that I wasn't there today, but I kept telling myself though that the only part making me sad was the people I would have seen one last time and all the pictures I would have taken. And that's when I also told myself that I graduated today with those who were at the ceremony for the College of Education (maybe not physically but I was there) and I will walk in the August ceremony. I also told myself I will receive my diploma in the mail where it will be waiting for me when I return home later this summer! I also got over my little bit of a sad moment because I am in ENGLAND! I am having the time of my life (not trying to quote the song from Dirty Dancing) here and having an experience that I have always wanted to since I started applying to colleges. I looked for schools that had study abroad programs that seemed interesting to me. Then while I was at Penn State I found out about this program and I knew right then that I would do this program and have my chance at studying abroad in another country. That's how it doesn't surprise me that I am here right now and not back home, but it still is hard to believe at times that this is where I am in my life right now.
So in honor of our graduating, me and Beka decided to catch a film, do a little shopping, and then treat ourselves to a special dessert and a bottle of wine! Shopping was fun, always find our way back to this one particular department store in Oxford trying on different dresses, though for me I can never seem to find the right one (off topic, sorry) and then made our way to the film, which was amazing, we saw The Lucky One!!! Then afterwards did a little more shopping, then headed towards this cute little Italian restaurant where I had the dessert - The Godfather, which was sooooo delicious and a bottle of wine! It was the perfect way to commemorate our achievement, graduating from Penn State University and becoming a teacher! Then we made our journey back home. 
I still can't believe I graduated college today, but it's the end of a chapter and it marks the beginning of a new chapter of my life. As Dr. Seuss says, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Today though I feel like a part of my life has ended, but so many memories have been made and so much has happened during my four years at Penn State that I will never forget, they will always be a part of me!
I end tonight with another Dr. Seuss quote, one I feel that is most appropriate for today!
"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!"
P.S. I would definitely not be where I am today if it was not for my family. I want to thank them for everything they have done for me! I love them and miss them terribly!
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