My graduation day was quite extraordinary. I had a Final that was scheduled in the testing center for Thursday and Friday. I couldn’t make it in on Thursday so I had to take it on Friday. But wait, weren’t my Graduation ceremonies also on Friday? Yes they were. I ended up taking the test Friday morning and as a result missed the Commencement. As soon as I finished my Final I rushed over to the McKay Events Center, threw on my cap and gown and got in line literally five minutes before we marched out onto the floor. Due to the time restraints I was forced to miss my much needed bathroom break. Convocation was two and a half hours long. I’ve never felt so antsy in my life.

Following graduation I did the traditional picture taking in front of my alma mater. We then went to Tucanos for a gradation feast to remember. I love their meats and mashed potatoes dearly. Luis and Natalia put together an awesome graduation party that night, “Are You Smarter Than A UVU Graduate?” Thanks Natalia for the best graduation party ever. It was really fun and I know everyone enjoyed proving their intellect.

Now that it’s all over I can finally relax and breathe. I’ve been able to reflect back on my college experience and how much I’ve enjoyed it. I think it’s interesting that here we all are in Provo, going to school, working, serving in church callings, learning to live with roommates, worrying about cleaning checks, participating in extracurricular activities and doing everything else that is required of us. We’re doing ALL of this meanwhile we throw dating into the mix?! And not just that we try to date but that we continue to date, one failed attempt after another. I think it’s amazing that people do find their perfect match during this time in their lives. Where do you find the balance and what priorities have to change in order to make it happen? Apparently I never figured that one out. What have I figured out though? That everything happens when and how it’s supposed to. All it takes is patience and time and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

I’ve learned a lot about myself and what’s important to me. I’ve learned who I am. I’ve learned that family and friends will always be my top priority. I’ve learned that there is good in everyone. I’ve learned that you need to take a chance. I’ve learned that without passion life feels very empty and unfulfilling. Whatever you do in life, do it for a reason and with conviction. Put your heart into it and don’t have any regrets. Learn from life.

Wearing this cap and gown isn’t just about accepting a piece of paper that says I’ve completed the requirements to be ‘educated’, it’s also about thanking everyone who has been a part of my life. Thank you for giving me a chance and helping me develop into the person I’ve become.

guy: “Pens, paper, Glock 40 with 26 rounds in a leather holster…”

me: “You have a gun in your bag?”

guy: “Yeah, it’s a state school, I’m ALLOWED TO!”

me: (blink a couple of times at him) “Ok.”

My reason for asking him was not because I disagreed, it was more dealing with how open and bragging he was about it. I thought the point of a concealed weapons permit was to keep it, well… concealed. So much for his secret. Now I get to wonder everyday just how competent he is with his firearm and how/when it could threaten my personal student safety.

I can’t even begin to describe how warm and fuzzy this sign made me. And I’ve only been gone a week and a half.

For the record, I’m referring to the top sign. But yes, the bottom sign is useful to know in case I was ever thirsty while walking thru the underground tunnel.

Professor: “Is there anyone without a text book?”

lonely guy: (raises his hand)

Professor: “Ok, please get one by tomorrow if possible.”

middle-aged woman (MAW): “I got mine for free!”

class: (gasp and shock) “Where? How!?”

MAW: “Online from a website.”

class: “What’s the site?”

MAW: “The pirate b…”

class: “WHOAA!! Ok, ok, right. Let’s not go there. Obviously…”

MAW: “What? I just downloaded a torrent file and it gave me the book that someone scanned page-by-page in PDF format.”

class: (chatter and laughing)

Professor: “Might as well finish telling the name.”

MAW: “bay.org”

class: (more chatter then awkward silence)

I think most people would consider discussing illegal means to getting a book with your professor a bad thing. What made this incident so awkward was that the MAW clearly did not understand the legality of what she did and then freely admitted to it and suggested the idea to everyone else, during class and in front of our professor. I don’t think she understands the internets. This kind of thing might have been ok when we were a college, but now we’re a university.

Me: “Hey, Richard, I have a question.”

Richard: … (with his back turned to me)

Me: “Richard?… Richard?!!”

He finished wiping off the dry erase board and walked out of the classroom. My friends turned to me in horror and explained my error. Clearly in the syllabus he refers to himself in 3rd person as Dr. Face multiple times and has mentioned in his other classes that he will only respond to Dr. Face in person and email. Any other attempts to get his attention, whether it be Mr., Professor, Dr., Richard, Face McFrugal or home-skillet, simply will not do and will leave you in the dark. He said that he did not receive his degree for nothing and prefers the title of it: Title LastName (Dr. Face)

Here’s to you, Mr. Dr. Professor Richard Face. I’m sorry. I would like to hereby be referred to as Associate Redd.

To clear up the confusion for people who ask me, here is a list of acronyms the school has been known as: CUVS, UTTI, UTC, UVCC, UVSC and now UVU.

It has been a 4-year school for over 10 years as it transitioned from Utah Valley Community College to Utah Valley State College. The irritation level rises every time someone asks me what school I go to, I say UVSC, then they say, “Hey, did you hear they’re making that a 4 year school finally?” Seriously people, you sound stupid saying that and know nothing about my school.

On July 1, 2008 it changed names yet again and is still a 4-year school in addition to now having graduate degrees/programs, e.g. a 6+ year school… or a university, hence UVU.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e26rwyHTQwU]