Graduation

Since I graduated in December, and BYU doesn't have a commencement ceremony in December, I finally walked in April!  It was such a fun day and I'm glad that I was still around to walk across that stage.  Being at the ceremonies made me want to continue on and get further education. There was just such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and achievement in the air that I thought, "I really like this feeling, maybe I should get my master's degree!"  That might actually happen if my dad keeps on my case; he wants to get his master's in Public Health so he wants us to do it together! We'll see :)

My mom came down on Thursday to go to the commencement ceremony, where Elder Scott spoke, with me.  I'm so glad she came down because P had a final that day and he wasn't sure if he would be able to finish his final in time to make it to the ceremony.  He didn't finish in time, so thank you so much Mom for coming with me!  I didn't wear my cap and gown so I was able to sit by my mom during the ceremony which was fun. 

Then on Friday both my parents, P's mom and my grandparents came to convocation where I walked across the stage and had my big moment of fame.  The college of Life Sciences, which I graduated in, was huge; I think it took an hour and a half for us all to walk across the stage! That was a little long and boring but I'm definitely glad I was able to attend and they even pronounced my last name correct! They had to ask me how to say it a few times before they actually said it over the mic, but they got it right!  

My mother-in-law came and brought me that beautiful lei, it was made with pretty ribbon and money! Thanks Momma Phyllis for taking the day off to celebrate with me, it meant a lot to me, and i love you.

My Papa and Nana are big BYU fans and were so excited for me because not only am I the first grandchild to graduate form BYU, but I'm the first one ever on the Wall side to graduate from BYU so they told me they've waited a long time for this day!  Also, my Nana woke up that morning and was really sick, she told me she started crying beacuse she thought she'd have to miss my graduation and she wanted to come so badly.  She asked my Papa to give her a Priesthood Blessing and thankfully she was able to come! It was a little miracle and I'm so grateful they were both there. 

Afterwards we headed up to SLC to eat at Setebello's Pizzeria.  I thought the pizza was alright, it wasn't my favorite, but I sure enjoyed the gelato!  It was a wonderful day, it felt like my birthday with cards, money, eating out, presents, etc.  I loved every second of it! 

A big thank you to my parents, P and other members of my family who supported me through college.  I could not have done it without you!  

I also want to quickly say how thankful I am to have an education.  When I spent some time in Africa one of the things that kept coming into my mind was how lucky I was to be getting an education.  It was there I learned the importance of education and the difference it can make in a person's life.  At that time, I was definitely taking my education at BYU for granted.   I feel very grateful to have gone to college and to a college with such high standards and values.  I will always cherish the memories and experiences that I had there.  

Go Cougars!

I want to list the 10 points that Elder Scott shared in his talk.  

Ten specific points to help individuals to successfully develop their character and find joy in life:

1. Establish a set of principles to guide every aspect of life- home, church service, profession, and community.   "Many people try to compartmentalize their lives and have a standard for Church, another standard for what they do in business, and in other aspects of their life," Elder Scott said. "I very strongly counsel you not to do that. There really is only one set of standards that make sense. Those are the teachings of Jesus Christ which signal to us the importance of faith, service, obedience and integrity."

2. Don't make exceptions to your standards.

3. Be loyal.  "Success comes when your actions are consistent with the teachings of the Lord," he said. "When you seek work find someone who challenges you, who raises you to higher levels of performance."

4. Live so that the Lord can guide you to where He wants you to serve.

5. Serve others. "Sharing what you know with others will bring you happiness and bless their lives."

6. Smile.

7. Don't complain. "Life isn't always fair. That's a fact. But it's always charged with marvelous opportunities if you know how to find them."

8. Always have a church assignment.

9. Go to the temple.

10. Use the Savior, Jesus Christ as your example for life. "Use His teachings as your handbook for life. Never make exceptions to them. "