JP-squared

Twists and Turns

As of today I am officially a college graduate. I started my undergrad in 1999, but due to personal issues I had to withdraw from school in 2002. Over the next 6 years I did a myriad of things, none of which were worthy of notice or mention. 13 years after starting my undergrad, I am finished with my BFA. During the graduation ceremonies of the last week (3 in total) the speakers often referred to the support of family. After withdrawing from college the first time around there was a substantial amount of doubt in regard to me doing anything worth while in my life, let alone going back to school. As my family was packing up and getting ready to leave town my cousin asked if I would walk to the store with her quickly before they had to leave. On our walk she congratulated me on my achievement, which I thanked her for. But what she went on to say pales all other congratulatory gestures. She said that her reasoning as to why she was so proud of me was that despite the overwhelming odds I completed my undergrad and have graduated with honors, and I did it on my own. Sparing you an even longer story, I have not had the easiest of lives and at times people have completely abandoned or given up on me. Her recognition of this makes all of my hard work and sacrifice worth while. As of today I can say that my perseverance has paid off and I am looking forward to my future. This would have been a difficult, if not impossible outlook to have several years ago. 

Thank you to the few that never gave up on me and to those whose support I am now lucky to have.