Commencement was at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2010. This meant that I had to be in line at Loma Linda at 7:00 a.m., which meant that my mom and I left our house at 6:00 a.m. She was going to be saving seats for the rest of the crew. Jessica, Ed, and Myrna joined her in line around 6:45 and Ramy arrived with the rest of the gang at 7:00. Rebecca had a gorgeous dress and was excited for the day.
Here's my crew waiting for the ceremony to begin:
Marching in...We carried our hoods until it was time for the hooding.
There was a speaker, but I can honestly say that I have no idea who it was or what he talked about, because I wasn't listening. I just wanted to commence with the commencement. Finally after the conferral of the degrees by the dean, it was time for the hooding.
Waiting in line with the other Psychology Ph.Ds. for them to call my name to be hooded. Unfortunately, the person reading our names just randomly decided to not use the cards we handed them, so he didn't read my maiden name (or anyone else's, which kinda sucked).
Walking across the stage, as they're reading my name and my degree.
As they read the title and abstract of my dissertation, I was hooded by Dr. David Vermeersch. He was my director of clinical training, my dissertation chairperson, my academic advisor, and my first clinical supervisor. Who else could have hooded me? This was a great moment. I think it really kind of hit me as I stood there and Dr. Jenkins (department chair) was reading the abstract of my dissertation and I was getting hooded. I realized, "Oh my goodness, I really did it! I'm finished!" It had better have been a great moment...I'll be paying for that moment for the next thirty years.
What a great day it was! I was so happy to share the day with so many good friends. My friend Randy played How Great Thou Art on the piano for the ceremony, and it was the one single moment in the graduation that I teared up just a little.
Here I am with Julie. I'm not sure I would have made it to this day without her! I think these pictures show that we were both giddy with excitement!
With Dr. Vermeersch:
This was a milestone event for everyone in the family. We ALL graduated!
It was so special to have my buddies and other family here to celebrate with me.
Next, it was time to party!
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