Boast Post

My, oh my. 

So much in such a short amount of time. Throughout my senior year, which was actually my third year at USF, it didn't necessarily sink in that I would not be an undergraduate the follow year. I couldn't fully fathom what my future intentions were or what that would mean for my life. I was merely excited to be moving forward in life and to be continuing this whirlwind of a journey. 

I'm the type of person who loves to stick to a schedule, but also loves that schedule to change about every three months. I get tired of the same routine pretty quickly, and I think that is the main driving force behind most of my decisions in life. 

I jump into things quickly, and I commit to them wholeheartedly. It felt foreign and out of place to be graduating with the class of 2017. I felt like I somehow didn't deserve to be walking with a class who had dedicated one more year than I had. It felt wrong having my friends watching from the waiting room rather than watching from the seat next to me. I felt like I had cheated. Cheated the system. Cheated myself? 

As I look back now, I realize that I ultimately made a good decision. A decision that reflects both who I am as a person and how I want to continue to live my life. I committed to graduating in three years during the second semester of my freshmen year. I worked. And I worked hard. I gave up nights out so I could cherish the down time I got in my bed. Asleep. I woke up at 6 am so I could utilize every minuet of day light and work hard until I could go to sleep again. I gave up my summer and winter breaks so I could continue to learn and continue to work. 

Somehow, someway, I've made it here. 

It's 6:30 am on a Saturday morning. The sun just woke up; following me by two hours. I'm on my second cup of joe. My suitcase is packed and ready for my flight to Oregon. My apartment is clean enough. I've completed the majority of my required paper work for my new career. I've sent numerous work emails before 6 am. My progress reports on my summer school kiddos are complete. 

I am 20. Twenty-one in 4 days. Although my first graders often questioned why I wasn't married, or why I didn't have three kids, a big house, and a dog, I'm proud of where I am. I'm excited for the future. 

My future being hours of endless studying, lesson planning, and teaching. It will be a lot of work, as it always has been. I will strive to accomplish what's in store. I will be a credentialed teacher. I will have my MAT. I will be well on my way to my Montessori accreditation. 

So yes, today I am proud. And I'm proud of being proud. I'm not ashamed that I didn't get to graduate with my friends. I'm not upset to be entering the real life "adult" work force. I'm not intimidated by the course load I'll endure. 

I'm excited. 

Your support means the world to me.