grad school grad!

let's talk about this for a second: since the day i

started kindergarten, i have never not been in school. 

elementary, middle school, high school,

straight through 4 years of college, straight

through 2 years of grad school. this fall will be

the first time i am not in some type of school!!

i don't know if i can explain how good it feels to

have graduated with my master's degree. not just

because it means school is over, but because getting a

graduate degree is something that has always been on

my goal list. i've always wanted to get as much education 

as possible, and i'm so lucky that through TFA i was able

to get my master's at an amazing school while working.

it was a lot but i am so glad i did it! the best part was 

having my entire family there because it fell perfectly at

the end of our trip in california together. best celebration!

^^ my dad took this panoramic while they were

waiting for the commencement to start.... have you ever

seen a nicer graduation setting? i'm pretty sure 

LMU is one of the prettiest campuses on earth!

^^ proud to be joining my mama who also has

her masters degree! and my dad too...smart cookies.

^^ my dad got me a lei and ran it up to me

right before the ceremony...so sweet.

^^ best family in the world!

^^ crossing the stage!

^^ showing off our master's "hoods"

^^ the cutest husband + supporter there is.

when they called my name he YELLED and stood

on a chair and waved his arms to make sure i could see

him from the stage. what person does that? love him so much.

^^ favorites. thank you for being at every 

single important moment of my life!

^^ these peeps have kept me sane during these 2 years!

^^ so has this guy

^^ yayyy!

 

^^ i love these pictures and this guy

^^ sweet little zachie even made it!

who knew graduating would get me so many kisses?

^^ so many reminders of how many amazing people surround me...

my grandma couldn't be there but sent the sweetest card and gift!

cheers to a new chapter!

who knows what comes after this,

but i know it will be good things.

i'm so lucky for all the education i've

been able to receive and hope i've given

some back through teaching with TFA!

i can't wait to see what's next. for now, i'm

soaking up no more essays and some freedom!!

xo

ps.. throwback to my undergrad graduation!

my parents have been there every step of the way,

and love that they both have graduate degrees.

see this article written by my dad 

about his experience going back to grad school.