One Year Later

A year ago today I graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor's Degree in Television Journalism and a Minor in Communications.... a year ago!!! 

I CAN NOT believe it's been a year. I was looking through the pictures and couldn't believe its been that long. I feel like I was just moving out of my college apartment. 

As much as I love being done with school and finally together with Gary and Sophia, I do miss it all. I made some great friends and really enjoyed my college years.

Yes it was hard. Especially when I became pregnant a few months before my senior year but I did it. I proved to myself that I am a strong person. I wanted to give up so bad. I was working, going to school, AND pregnant... talk about exhausted. But I never gave up and the main reason I didn't was Sophia. I knew that getting my degree and education wasn't just for me, but would be for her too. And also because of my family, Gary, friends and teachers. 

Just thinking about how much they helped me and pushed me through makes me tear up. They were there for me always! And I wish I can thank them each day for it. They are the ones who helped me get through and to get me to where I am today. 

And I hope that one day Sophia will be proud of her mommy. I may not be using my degree right now BUT I have a full time job that I do enjoy and I'm glad I had the experience to go to college and to be able to say I am a college graduate. 

Some pictures from graduation last year. Having Sophia there with me meant the world to me! 

This is Professor Dhalia. She was one of my favorite teachers at WVU. She taught WVU News that I was a part of. She loved Sophia! I couldn't find a babysitter one day for class and I HAD to be there and I texted her and told her about my situation and she said "Just bring her to class" So I did and Professor D held her during the whole class. So Ms. Sophia got to attend some college classes when she was a baby. I was very thankful to have such an understanding teacher.

These girls right here did SO much for me. They would sit and watch Soph when I needed to run to campus or need to finish an assignment. Or stay in the edit labs with me until 4 am. They would send me test and homework reminders because they new that I was a busy/exhausted momma who more than likely forgot. They were ALWAYS asking if I needed anything at all and just always checking on me. These girls were the best and I miss them SO much. Lauren on the left will be getting married in June and I will be seeing her finally and Ms. Brittany in the middle is now working for a newstation in town. I am so proud and happy for them. 

And finally these two are the only reason I am lucky to be able to say I have my degree. Growing up I was very lucky to have parents who always said that I was going to college. I never even had an option after I graduated HS and a lot of people can't say that. They paid out of their pocket for me to go to school and I can't thank them enough. They had faith in me the whole time, even my first semester when I kind of had a little too much fun and when I decided to transfer schools out of no where, and when I became pregnant. They stayed right behind me and never changed their belief in me. I have my degree because of them and I'm so blessed to have them as my parents. Thanks mommy and daddy!

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.