I finally graduated! Looking back at where I was when I decided to start this journey is truly incredible... I decided to go back to school when I was living with Sarah and Lisa five years ago. At that time, I was single and working full time doing massage. I had just moved back to Olympia from Portland after living there and not quite finding a strong network. I was a lot wilder then, partying every week, dating and working a lot. I finally felt at that time I was at the place where I could face going to college. After deciding not to attend with the many who did right after high school, I sometimes felt underwhelmed with myself. I realize that college isn't for everyone, but it was always my intention and my dream to accomplish obtaining a degree.
I started at a community college with the intention of pursuing a degree in psychology. That transformed into environmental studies after taking a couple amazing environmental courses. I knew that I had a deep passion for the environment, but knew I didn't want to do a lot of the field work associated with that type of degree. I researched and found the Urban Studies program at UWT. I visited the campus and fell in love.... it was exactly what I was so passionate about: the environment, cities, planning, sustainability, and social issues. After I moved in with Greg, I received my acceptance letter to UWT Urban Studies program.
My first quarter and my first class at UWT set the stage for the rest of my time there. It was with my favorite professor, Dr. Lisa Hoffman. The class was called "Cities and Citizenship" and the course was all about how we define citizenship and discussed the basic human rights that should be implemented to every person. It was my favorite class and it was where I met all of the core friends that I would come to find some of the most amazing friends I would ever make.
The last two years have been a blur. I've written tons of papers, read more books than I can remember, and gained friends from people who inspire me in so many ways. Going back to school was the best choice I ever made. Not only did I receive a great education, it also gave me confidence, a strong network of friends, and some of the best memories to date. To have all my friends and family see me fulfill my dream and be successful in my academics is something that I could not imagine. It made me feel so proud and lucky to have people who care so much about me watch me go through this amazing journey. My family has been so supportive throughout the whole time, but Greg has really taken on all of my stresses with the most genuine and generous support. I could not be where I am today without him.
So I'm done! I feel amazing and am looking forward to applying to grad school at the end of the year. For now, I continue to do massage as well as look for opportunities to gain experience within my field.
