Where have I been?

I've been busy studying.  And here's the proof.  Ok, so it's just the cover page but trust me, there is a long essay/chapter in a detective novel behind it.  I think it turned out pretty well but we'll see what Dr. Touchette has to say about it.  This picture is symbolic as it was taken resting on the tomb of Gianlorenzo Bernini.  It was also taken at the end of the class in which it was written for--not merely the end of the day's session but the end of the class itself (except for next week's final).  It is also marks the end of classes here in Rome.  Finally, it also marks the end of my classes as an undergraduate.  This has been a very long journey and one that I am proud to have completed.  I toyed with college back in the 90's, studying for a few quarters at Seattle Central Community College, then later taking classes as they interested me (and finances allowed).  When I returned to New Mexico in 2002 I started working for the University of New Mexico and started taking classes there beginning the spring of 2003.  Eight years later I'm finished (again, save for the finals).  On Saturday, May 14 I will be walking down the aisle to pick up a little piece of paper that represents the culmination of all those years, the papers, the studying, the sleepless nights, the stress of exams.  I've missed movies, and books, and camping with family and friends because my studies had to come first.  I realize that most of the people reading this blog have already reached this achievement and understand the hard work behind it but for me personally, it has been a difficult challenge.  I'm smart--I know that--but I'm not very disciplined and often don't see things through.  I play music-a little, I speak French-a little, I can draw-a little; all things that interested me at one point but have fallen to the wayside because I cannot reach the high standards I set myself, because I lost interest or because I just didn't want to keep practicing or whatever.  This degree means a lot to me because I set the goal and have seen it through.  I've made the Dean's list, I've written papers that received A's from notoriously tough professors, and I've seen it through to the end.  I am very proud of myself and thankful for all those who encouraged me and supported me and helped me along the way.  My brother asked me once what I was going to do with my degree and I joking said that I'd be hanging it on the wall.  Now that I'm about to receive it I realize it isn't a joke at all; I will be proudly hanging it on the wall.