College Graduation!

Jeez, my first post ever on this blog was my high school graduation. I remember the countdown, the packing and excitement of starting college. And now my college graduation? I can hardly believe it! 

My feelings were all over the place all day. I almost didn't feel ready. This was really happening? I have really given up many hours of my time, of sleep, and tears all for nursing school and it's finally paying off? Through nursing school you dream about it being done and making it. But it always seemed so far out of reach. When I would catch myself thinking about it, I would laugh and remind myself I was still trying to make it through the semester, or day. I knew it was graduation day, but I couldn't picture myself walking across the stage and being handed the degree I worked so hard for. And then, it was happening! I was wearing a gown again that was a little too big, I was trying to put on a cap that made my ears stick out, and all of our family was here! 

I walked across the stage as my name was called, shook some hands and clutched onto my diploma cover. You know how it goes :) BEST FEELING EVER! I could not of done any of it without the support of my family and close friends cheering me on. I was spoiled to have my in-laws and mother and sister here for a WEEK with us. We had a blast! Eric has always been my bestfriend. He supported me when I wanted to do nursing in high school, when I was applying to the program when he was on his mission, when he was engaged to me during the program and now married to me for my graduation! He is incredible. I also have to mention that a huge part of me did this for my Dad. He passed away about a week after I read my acceptance letter by his bedside. I know he is so dang excited and proud of me!

My time at Brigham Young University-Idaho has been amazing. I could tell a story for hours about everything that I've done, about the friends I have made and all that I've learned. Lots of people pack up their belongings and hit the road where ever it's taking them next, like a lot of my friends. But lucky for me, I get to hang out still right here in Rexburg, Idaho as my husband finishes school for himself. That sounded like a lot of sarcasm... But I really do enjoy our time here! Especially being together, making memories and new friends.

So what's up now? Things are definitely changing around here! I feel like I'm out in the real world. Although I may not get my dream job (L&D nurse) right away, I am so excited to drop the "student" nurse name, add a RN behind my name, and spend 12+ hours in a hospital but actually be getting paid for it! Nursing school is a challenging experience. As if the rigors faced during it weren’t enough, I still have to take my professional licensure exam to be able to practice as a registered nurse. So that is my next challenge + task I am tackling! Oh, I am also continuing my education and going after my BSN degree. This september I will begin mainly researching/writing papers as I start working towards it. Thankfully, it's all online class, a big difference from what it's been like and I finish July 2015!