As I was packing my backpack tonight, getting ready for my first day of graduate school, I reflected a lot about the long path that has brought me to this point.
I thought about the last 8 years, 7 of which were filled with an effort to complete my bachelor's degree. I thought about that day 4 months ago when I finally was able to proudly walk across the stage and receive my diploma. I thought about how I finally was accepting the idea that I had actually graduated, and how weird it was that I was still about to start school.
I thought about all of my other first days and all the emotions that came with each of them - excitement, dread (yes, I admit it), anxious, nervous. Each semester brought another step on the seemingly never ending road to completion.
But I finished and now I'm moving forward and continuing my education.
The emotions for this first day are similar, but in a different way. I'm mostly excited. Excited of the uncertainty of it all. Excited for the chance to learn more and to shape my knowledge to lead me to new and great things.
I've had so many changes lately. I'd had my very first full time job for 2 months, my very own apartment for 1 month (along with it a new ward and new friends) and I'm about to start a new program at a new school with new teachers. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous or anxious; change is scary. So far though, the changes have been good and I'm sure starting my Master's will be just as good.
Here's to the next adventure.
