Graduation...

Graduation feels like it took place so long ago. When it was just last Friday. I thought I would have this overwhelming feeling like "I'm done!" or "I have a degree now." or "Time to be an adult now." But I haven't. It still hasn't hit me and I'm not quite sure when it will. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy my break with my parents and my up coming trip to Miami. Hopefully I'll remember to take pictures. I never do.

Graduation was fun. It was amazing to see everyone I haven't seen in a while, all my wonderful friends who came out to support me, and the other graduates. I'm just so proud of everyone, even though I was the youngest of all my friends graduating. Walking across the "stage" (we walked across the floor, I guess so no one would trip and it would go faster) was a good feeling. Especially when John Steinmetz, one of Texas Tech University's Board of Reagents, and Dr, Juan Munos, the President of the Division of Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement called be back. We held up the entire line while they were telling me how proud they were, and that as soon as I get back to Lubbock, I need to set up a meeting with them. I got a job offer walking across the stage. How many people can say that? While I have no idea what it is and what it will lead to, I am excited to see what it is.

Graduation was just an overall amazing experience. I have accomplished a lot in the past 3 and a half years. I cannot wait to see what else I am capable of. I am always surprised when people recognize me for things. I have received 5 awards in the past year, and it's still crazy to me. I was not expecting any of them. Hopefully, they'll help me get into graduate school. That's my next journey, hopefully. Unless I just get some super amazing job in DC.

Okay, now to the blurry pictures because I couldn't stand still for one minute because I was so excited (=

Khabi and Kobby. We made it together. Gosh I love him, my favorite Kappa.

Blurry for life, but congrats Jourdan for graduating the very next day. My favorite AKA.

But these are my favorite Neos of all time. (=

Mentor Tech for life.

Sanjana and Shamaya. We were literally 10 people away from each other, with me in the middle. So proud of these women.

 Shout out to my headache for life for being my right hand on that day and for making that super long drive back with me, even though you had me falling asleep behind the wheel because you were super boring. I don't ever say it, but I appreciate you.

Senior Pictures...

It truly pays off being active in the community around you. I took my senior pictures at the Spirit Ranch, which is such an amazingly beautiful place. I love the atmosphere, the staff, and all that they do for people who come there. If you've never had the honor of going, you should try sometime. Even if it's just for a tour.

I had the pleasure of attending for my first time with Mentor Tech, and have been there several times since. Walking through the grounds while taking my pictures truly brought back all the memories that I had there. From bonding with my protege's from Dunbar Middle School and my fellow PAC Leaders, jumping off the pole with Thomas and Keshia, or sharing stories over a cup of coffee. The Spirit Ranch is a vital part of my experience in college. Man how I'm going to miss that place.

Sorry I've been a little MIA. With school, work, lab, grad school applications, job applications, packing, Platform planning, my graduation party, and preparing for all my family that's coming into town for my graduation, it's been crazy. Hopefully I'll figure out something soon. I hate that my blog is suffering.

In exactly 20 days, at this exact time, I will be walking across the stage. I'm scared to death, but I know that I am blessed to have come this far. InshaAllah, if God is willing, I will continue to go even further. Now to the wonderful pictures that my good friend Abdullah Alwosaibi took for me. Isn't he simply talented?