Class of 2009

Graduation. It went by in a blur. a blur of black robes, hats and tassels. Marching down to the beating of scottish drums. marching with my peers. people who i have shared classes with, shared laughter and heartaches with. who have become near and dear friends. marching through the professors, the wise patient people who have shaped us and taught us through our years here. and through the many eager parents and friends with cameras, those people who were our support. to the front. The sound of bagpipes ringing in my ears and a big wide smile across my face. we sit. in a big mass of black. there is an air of excitement and anticipation. All of us waiting for the part where we get to walk across that stage. waiting to get that diploma that we've all worked so hard for. all the work. all the pain. the lack of sleep. the studying. the sacrifices. Its all about to pay off. right here. right now. we listen. to our president. to our classmates. to Kay Cole James and her inspiring words that are supposed to spur us on to bigger and better things. To great things. But I sit. In my cap and gown. a little startled to find myself at this point. walking up to the stage I laugh to myself. Amazed at how fast this went. Amazed that I'm here. My name is called. I walk across the stage with that ridiculous grin still spread wide across my face. I believe that every part of my body is smiling. I shake hands with my president, Neil Neilson, "Good Job Taryn" he says quietly. I take the scroll from his hands and walk off the stage. I've done it. I have graduated from college. I stop and pose for a picture and then make my way back to my seat. feelings of pride and accomplishment swelling in my chest. a milestone under my belt.