transition.

I could write a book on my time in college and all of the memories I made. I could list the countless life-long friendships that were born; the crazy, spontaneous nights that shaped my experience; the classes I breezed through or struggled to pass; and of course, the people and places that made it all worth while. But I figured it would be appropriate to just touch on the highlights of graduation as I begin my transition into the "real" world:

It wouldn't seem right if I didn't start by talking about the Baptist Collegiate Ministry:

I can PROMISE you that none of the great things that happened to me in the last four years would have been possible without the people I met here. It has been my "home away from home" for four years (and literally my home for two years) and I have no idea where I would be otherwise. Every friendship, every job, every ministry opportunity... happened to me because of someone or something involved with this ministry. When I was young, upperclassmen took me under their wing and showed me how to survive college. As I grew older, I was able to disciple younger students in the same fashion. My best friends in the entire world lived, served and played here. We hugged here. Laughed here. Cried here. The Lord truly blessed me through this ministry and I could never thank Him enough for that. I may never truly understand every way that my life was impacted through this ministry but I do know that my prayer is every student at the BCM is impacted like I was.

I also want to briefly touch on how blessed I was to be able to attend the school of my dreams. Ever since I can remember, my goal was to graduate from the University of Tennessee. It still hasn't hit me that I did it (ha). There were many nights that I complained about a paper I was writing, a test I was studying for or a group I was meeting with... but those were opportunities that not many people are afforded. I want to thank everyone who helped me reach this point... family, friends, mentors, employers, co-workers, peers, professors, advisors... I could have never done it on my own. And of course, I'm so grateful for a God that allowed me this opportunity and blessed me ABUNDANTLY through it. 

On UT's campus, we have a "pedestrian mall" (fancy way of saying 'walkway') that leads from our dorms to "The Hill" where most of our classes are. At the end of the "mall" is our University Seal. Superstition says that if you walk across the Seal before graduation, then you won't graduate in four years. Now, obviously, it's a silly superstition but it is also a tradition at UT. Thousands of students part like the Red Sea when they approach the Seal walking to class... including myself! So, naturally, after we all received our diplomas... the first thing most of our graduating class did was walk across the seal. It was a really cool experience because there was a LINE of Seniors in their cap and gown waiting to walk across/lay on/stand on the Seal for pictures. And yes, I was one of them...

Lastly, I wanted to give a quick shout-out to all of my friends that helped me reach this point. I could never list them all or explain how each of them helped me but I am so very thankful for them all. A few of us were blessed with the opportunity to go to Destin, Florida for a week following graduation in order to celebrate. This was such a special trip with special people that I will cherish forever... and now as I am transitioning into a new phase of life... I just want to say, again, how thankful I am to be a Vol for Life.