Graduation Day

June 6, 2013....a day Chris and I have been looking forward to for 6 years. Convocation! Now that almost a month has passed since it, and 2 months have passed since Chris wrote his last exam, it feels like the time has flown by, but let me tell you, when we were in the middle of it all, it seemed....to take.....forever.....

After all, it has been 6 years...that's how long we've been married. We haven't known anything but student life. And a lot has happened during those six years. We survived our first year of marriage (and we all know that marriage is hard!), I went back to school, we bought our house, we welcomed Macy into our family, we spent summers in Fort McMurray, I got my first teaching job, and we dealt with serious health concerns that had a major impact on Chris and his studies in particular. Alas, we made it. Chris did it, and I couldn't be more proud! 

I really need to say it again, I'm so proud! Chris personally overcame so much to achieve his childhood dream of becoming an engineer. He persevered through many setbacks and did it! He is the first and only member of his immediate and extended family to go to University and graduate. How awesome is that? Way to go Chris!

 Chris and Chris. Chris Parfit went to school with Chris at NAIT, worked at Associated Engineering with Chris, and graduated from the U of A with him. He also plays on our soccer team. A great friend.

 Another friend, Miles.

 Amongst the sea of graduates. The ceremony was long, but actually quite nice. We both really enjoyed the speech by the Honorary Degree recipient, Jacob Masliyah, a groundbreaking chemical and materials engineer. He taught us that with determination, and 'shovel by shovel' anything can be achieved. Also, there is no free lunch, and there is no free energy!

 In front of the Northern Jubilee Auditorium.

 So excited!

 What I love about engineering is that they've got so many rich corporations that donate and sponsor events at the U. Example, we got a free luncheon after the ceremony. It was awesome. Tons of sandwiches, salads, and desserts. All buffet style, so you could eat as much as you wanted. We ate a lot. Between the two of us, we've spent a lot of money at the U of A, and I certainly didn't get a fancy luncheon when I graduated!

 Both of us Alumni now!

It was a wonderful feeling thinking about how both of took time off from our jobs, jobs that we only have because of the education we received. Yay for going to school and learning, yay for great jobs, and yay for the many blessings we've received!