I don't remember much from my graduation. I have no idea who spoke or what honors were awarded to which students. I don't even think I attended my baccalaureate. The one thing that I do remember (and don't think I'll ever forget) was that after we had gotten lined up and began our walk across campus for the last time as students, our professors and staff were lined up on either side of the walkway clapping for us. It was so special and surprising to walk through this tunnel made up of people I admired and had learned from for the past 4 years...and they were so clearly proud of me and clapping for my accomplishments! I'm sure I fought back tears.
So, this year I got to be a part of that clapping tunnel as a member of the GC team. It was awesome! And to make it that much sweeter, my sister in law, Darci, was the very last graduate to walk through. As she approached me I was able to step out of my place in the tunnel and give her a hug.
Speaking of Darci...I am so proud of that girl. I met Darci when she was just barely 13 years old, quiet, and reserved. Now she is a young woman who speaks up for what she believes in and leads others quietly and assuredly. She graduated with a double major in History/Political Science and Social Work. She was in the honor societies for both and graduated magna cum laude. In addition to being a stellar student she was a four year athlete, an RC, and member of a team that work with a young autistic boy in the community almost daily. She was a TA and member of the student senate as well. I'm not sure what she didn't do and I'm super proud of her accomplishments. In August she will begin a Master's in Social Work program and in September she will marry her high school sweetheart.
Speaking of her high school sweetheart...Trevor also graduated this year with several honors. He too was a double major in Communications and History/Poli Sci. He too graduated magna cum laude and was a member of both of his major's honor societies. He completed and successfully defended an honors thesis and was a member of the honors program here at GC. He too was a four year athlete and ran the 10k at Christian Nationals this year. He was on student government and involved in other things that I'm sure I'm missing.
Aren't they just two peas in a pod? And they are both so humble too. I'm super excited about their wedding and eager to see where God leads them.
And a final clarification...a few people, seeing me in my graduation regalia, told me "Congratulations!" or said, "You graduated too?" No, I did not graduate. Employees participating in the ceremony are asked to wear their regalia. Academia if full of tradition and symbolism, so what we wear represents our education. I wear a funny gown that has fins or wings on the sleeves (a great place to stash a cell phone) to represent having a Master's degree and a hood whose colors represent my degree (Social Work) and school (SIUE). The yellow cord I wear represents that I graduated with honors. I don't have to wear this, but I earned it...so, why not? I opted not to wear my cap so as not to be mistaken for a 12 year old boy.
Trevor, me, Darci
Reed was super excited to see Uncle Trevor and Aunt Darci. He thought Papa's hat was pretty cool, too.
See? Here he is wearing Papa's hat. Maybe one day he will be Dr. Sample.
Congrats to the GC grads of 2013 and special congrats to my favorites, Darci and Trev. Love you guys. Now, should we all sing the Alma Mater next time we get together? Hail all Hail, Greenville!
Oh my gosh! I thought you looked familiar... I feel like a dork for not making the connection sooner. Mallory Sample. I get the title now :) Yay for GC grads! Glad you guys are doing well! Small world.
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