Well, it’s been 16 months since my last post, and as of yesterday, I’m now a college graduate.
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all of the sweet, supportive comments, calls, and texts regarding my graduation. It means the world to me. I may be a bit late to the college graduation game, but I don’t regret my journey leading up to this point. I’ve done a lot of moving, traveling, exploring, thinking, learning, and soul searching over the past 10 or so years, and I’ve changed my mind more times than I care to count. (I’m a bit flighty, what can I say?)
I didn’t exactly take the “normal” route through life, and sometimes I really, really regretted that, but here’s something I know now for sure: you’re never “too old” to go back to school, start a new career, pick up and move, change your life, start over, or truly follow your dreams.
I’ve worked really hard to get here, and while I’m so relieved it’s all finally over, it’s feeling pretty bittersweet, too. I’ve made so many amazing friends in Seattle since deciding to go back to school (you know who you are!), and without their support, and the support of my friends back home, and my wonderful boyfriend, Adam, and my incredible boss who so willingly worked around my class schedule each quarter, and my parents who listened to me cry and whine over studying and exams and cheered me on every step of the way… I don’t think I’d be here today. So thank you. I love you all more than words can say.
It’s only appropriate I share this quote from Tommy Boy; one of my all-time favorite movies:
“Did you hear I finally graduated?”
“Yeah, and just a shade under a decade, too…”
“You know, a lot of people go to college for seven years.”
“I know. They’re called doctors.”
๐ So while I may not be a doctor, I’m still proud of myself for actually making the tough decision to go back and finish what I started so long ago. So thank you, again, for all of your support. I mean it! You’re all beautiful and I’m so fortunate to have you in my life. <3 <3 <3
suellyn scoon says
Congratulations!!! You are the best. You stuck with it until you found your authentic way of living. You are an inspiration.
amandaaude@gmail.com says
<3 <3 <3 Love you so much! Thank you!
Anna says
Congrats Amanda!! You’re never too old to learn and start over and work on a new dream. So proud of you! And can’t wait to see you soon! xx
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Anna! <3 <3 <3 I can't wait to see you, too!!
Marina says
Congratulations! Small world–I also graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 2007. I wasn’t able to attend the ceremony because I moved to South Korea to teach English.
Was this your first degree? I’ve been thinking about going back to grad school eventually. I went to grad school in Scotland for a few months for library studies before I realized that I couldn’t afford to live and go to school at the same time. I’m 33 and I sometimes think it’s too late to find an actual career. Thank you for reminding me that it’s not!
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Wow – small world indeed!! Yes, this is my first degree. I’m from Wisconsin, so I went to school there my freshman and sophomore years and then I took a break because I felt so lost and confused. Within that time, I thought I wanted to go to vet school, so those applications and school tours and waiting period ate up a year or so, and then I ended up ditching that idea anyway because I thought I was moving to the middle east! (That never happened, either, haha.) It’s been a crazy journey, that’s for sure. Feels good to finally be done! You are definitely never too old! <3
Marina says
I really miss that campus, walking to Fremont, sitting in the grass in Gasworks Park on a sunny day…
amandaaude@gmail.com says
๐ I’m going to miss it, too. It really is such a beautiful little campus.
Fiona says
SUPER CONGRATULATIONS!!
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Fiona!!! <3
Jae x SCATTERBRAIN says
Congratulations again, Amanda! My husband graduated last month, and although 10 years late, I’m still proud of him! I still believe that education is the best gift we could give ourselves, and although many will say against it, I think you did the best thing in going back to school. I wish you all the best!
amandaaude@gmail.com says
That means so much to me! <3 Thank you, and high five to your husband!
Jae x SCATTERBRAIN says
You’re welcome, and thank you! Age shouldn’t be an excuse to not finish school, and it’s something we can [continue to] tell the future generation! ๐
amandaaude@gmail.com says
I so agree! <3
Craig Aude says
One of the happiest days of my life is one of the happiest days of yours. So very proud of you. Love you, Amanda.
amandaaude@gmail.com says
<3 Thank you, dad. Love you soooo much.
Lynnae says
Congrats on graduating! Seeing this actually gives me a little motivation to get going on my thesis and finish this last semester. Although, I won’t be done until September over here in Germany… Still a ways to go… PS, doing life the “normal” way is overrated.
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thank you!!! Good luck to you and your thesis! And oh yeah, I agree. Pfft, who wants to be normal anyway???
Sharon says
Congrats Amanda! I wish you the very best. So much happiness in these photos! x
amandaaude@gmail.com says
Thanks, Sharon! ๐