Graduation Day | Personal

I GRADUATED! It went by so fast! It didn't even phase me until I was standing in line and my name was called out. I was on that stage for 5 seconds and off faster than I could realize what was happening. But even in those 5 seconds, it was my time, and it was amazing :)

Professor Lawrence Rowe from UC Berkeley gave a great speech at Ryan's graduation. Two things he mentioned really stuck to me:

"Failure is not a disaster" and "The journey is the reward"

I've always feared failure. It's prevented me from trying new things. But everything happens for a reason. My failure will lead me somewhere: to learning something new, improving at a skill, or leading me in another direction. I have to understand that it's all part of the journey. I'm a proud UCI graduate, but it was the 4 years there that really meant the most: the skills and lessons I learned, the new places I explored, and the people I met. There will be no other time like college.

Graduation Announcement | Personal

I'M GRADUATING! After 4 years, I'll be graduating from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelors degree in Sociology and Psychology.

...so where am I going from here? I have no idea. I've been saying that a lot and it's probably something I've been trying to avoid thinking about. So although it's an exciting time, it has also been overwhelming and stressful. I have no clear direction I want to take, but Ryan tells me to just go out there and try anything...and to not be scared to fail. I think that's the best advice anyone could give me. So wish me luck as I wander into life after college..

Photo credit: Chris Schultz