Graduation! I'm done, I'm done, I'm done!

Yes, it has finally happened. The culmination of 2 1/2 years of hard work and long hours. I presented my Synthesis on May 5th and Graduation was May 6th. Needless to say it was a crazy stressful week. I can't believe it is finally here. I still wake up and think I need to be checking my email, or writing a paper, or checking on students. It feels great to be home and actually be home and not have my head somewhere else. Thanks to my brother I have a few pictures of the event. I was actually nervous to walk across the stage.

Danyka was there to greet me after the ceremony.

This is Gayle. She has been my study buddy since I started the program. We wouldn't have made it through the program without each other. We have spent a lot of time in the car and on the phone discussing assignments and supported each other through our life changing events over the last 3 years.

This is Dr. Helen Zsohar. She is the chair of the Teaching Nursing Masters program. She taught me in my undergrad program. She has been a wonderful mentor, example, and support through out the program. I am grateful to have been able to learn from her.

This is my awesome Cohort. Monte Roberts, Me, Helen, Gayle, Kimberly Weaver-Lewis, Guenever Parsley, Rieneke Holman, and Kesa Herlihy. Monte was honored at graduation and Rieneke was a nominated speaker. This has been a great rewarding group with which to work.

My cute little family who will be so happy to have me home again.

I certainly wouldn't be here with out the support of my Mom and Dad. They always push me to keep trying and have been willing to help watch Danyka whenever needed.

My Mother-in-Law came to show support for the Nichols side of the family. They will be glad to have me done as well so that I can actually be apart of family gatherings and not rushing home to get the last minute homework done.

Sarah, Ryun and Taly. My two siblings which live in town came to support me as well. I was grateful to have them there. It made the event much more real.

It was a great day, and despite being uncomfortable I'm glad my son was there with me as well. I look forward to him as my next great adventure. I will also embark on a teaching position at UVU come fall. I will be an adjunct clinical teacher in the nursing program.