Grateful.

[katernater]

Oh man, I really didn't expect it to be this emotional.

I mean, okay, yeah, today was my last official day of classes and I'm graduating on Sunday and everything, but I don't think the reality of being done really set in until just a couple of minutes ago, when I sent an e-mail to my TESOL adviser thanking her for everything she's done for me during my time at Valpo. I've told this story a thousand times, but I got into the TESOL certificate program because I was trying to avoid taking another class. It was complete chance that I came to love it as much as I do. And my adviser has been there for me every step of the way, whether it's critiquing my lesson plans, getting me the job at the VIC, or just being there to listen and relate when a lesson crashes or I have anxieties about being an okay teacher. Sending that e-mail (which got to be way more "cue the emotional guitar riff" than I originally intended) was kind of like acknowledging that, "Yep, it's over, you've got your degree -- now go out and do something good with it."

There's this feeling in my chest and it's either sadness or happiness or both, and I am just so grateful to have been given this chance, to have met these people, and to be aware of just how lucky I am to have been a part of it all.

Comments

[shutterbug-12.livejournal.com]

Aw, what a great post. It makes me hopeful about my own future. Congrats on getting to this point in your journey. Have a wonderful graduation! =)

[sardonicynic]

I'm so, so glad your higher-education adventure was such a positive, life-affirming experience. All too often, I hear from friends (and oh, am I ever guilty of this, myself!) that they're tired, they're burned out, they just want to be done -- it's easy to forget how lucky we are to have enriching opportunities like this, especially when so many other people don't.

So.

Yes.

Congrats, you. ♥ You've done the work, now go get paid.

[another-myself.livejournal.com]

You are a wonderful, beautiful girl with a wonderful, beautiful future ahead of you. Congratulations and I'm so proud of you!

[msconduct.livejournal.com]

You took serendipity and you ran with it. Congratulations for getting to the finish line, and for taking opportunities when they arose. And for thinking of the people who helped you along the way (your TESOL advisor was probably pretty emotional herself on reading your email).

[moofoot.livejournal.com]

This post gives me something to look forward to, years from now if/when I am at this moment.

Good job, you. You've earned the congrats and I hope your graduation is awesome! *FLINGS CONFETTI AT YOU AND YOUR BUDDIES* :)

[juryrig.livejournal.com]

Yay you! What an amazing and wonderful feeling. :)