Graduation

Leland was a great baby at graduation, even though it happened to be during his naptime. 

Getting a good photo was hard and I didn't have the energy to try much longer.

My advisor and me. 

Randi from my department graduated too!

Even though my only job prospect for the future is staying at home with Leland I am still so glad I went back and got my master's.  I feel like I learned so much more than I ever did in undergrad.  Undergrad was full of learning about myself and my degree.  This time it was about learning life lessons. 

I actually learned how to study and take tests well, in a very timely manner.  I haven't had a lot of down time in graduate school.  My first year I was working almost full time and going to school.  That Spring semester I had to make sure to finish everything early in time for Leland's arrival.  This year I had to be very efficient with my time since I now had Leland.  I am a great multi-tasker and now I often wonder what people do with their time all day.  So many people I know are always complaining about not having enough time and they don't even have kids.  Or they have kids but are not trying to go to school full-time as well. 

I know a lot less that I think I do.  I can give a really great bullshit answer.  As an undergrad I thought I knew everything once I graduated.  My courses in this program, often left me with more questions than answers, but in a good way.  I realize how little I know and understand how this great big world I live in.  It drives me to keep learning, even when not in a school setting.

People think I am laid back.  Which I think is absolutely ridiculous.  But compared to many people I have met, I am.  Motherhood has made me relax a lot.  I had many pep talks to myself while pregnant about not being able to control everything, and I think my inner self listened well.  I feel I have met so many high strung people that are getting worked up over nothing- like a test or a grade.  When really those things matter very little when looking at the big picture.  I have been better about looking at the big picture instead of focusing in insignificant details.

I have realized I never want to teach undergrads.  Well undergrads that don't care about the subject I am teaching.  My student teaching position taught me many things about the education system and myself.  I don't ever want to put myself in that situation again.  And a note to undergrads, if you don't want to be in school than don't go to school, it is expensive.  With that in mind, at least try to gain something from every class, even if you are only taking it to graduate.  Education is expensive. 

I think this list could keep on going, but I am tired and trying to make up on my sleep now that school in OVER!  So there is a very brief summary of what I have gained from the past two years.