Graduating B*B*J*B

It is that time of year again. People of all ages are receiving a piece of paper showing their accomplishments and I am lucky enough to be one of them. You may say, it is no big deal  but to me it is the biggest deal!!!

Here's my story.......

In New York, if a child is going to be turning 5 within the calendar year then can start going to school at age 4. So here I am with a december birthday mixed with seemingly older kids in pre-kindergarten. Little did I know this was the beginning of an uphill battle with my graduating. The school I attended had kindergarten and 1st grade (weird right?) So guess who didn't have a graduation after completing kindergarten?!?? ME!!

My parents placed me in PS 30 to begin first grade. At this point I didnt even know I missed out on anything. Until the end of 5th grade the biggest change I could face happened. My family moved to Virginia........ Where did this come from?!? I am a New Yorker.....what will I do there?? It didn't help that PS 30 graduates their elementary students after they finish the 6th grade not 5th. Wait a minute, another graduation passed me by.

All the while your siblings and friends are graduating. Something isn't right!!! But there was nothing I could do. Until the 8th grade. I'm thinking for sure I will finally get to walk across the stage in front of all my friends and family. What do you mean No Commencement Ceremony from Sterling Middle School???? Yes, that was me in the main office asking anyone who would listen. How is that possible?!?!? Do I just walk into high school? ?? The answer is yes. No graduation, no ceremony, just commence into high school. Literally!!

So here I am, doing all I can to not only graduate from High School but with all types of awards and recognition to go along with it. I was ready for them this time. But where do I end up?!?!? With a graduatation ceremony on the Sabbath...... first was shock, then reality hit. I made the decision to worship my Saviour on the Sabbath instead of glorifying myself and my accomplishments. Most people questioned me on my decision others probably laughed but I chose to keep my Sabbath reverent.

At this point most people have had 4 to 5 graduations and I have had 0, not one!! Can't even express how I felt, what I thought this meant, how this was going to define me. Until finally, after another four years of hard work and focus I obtained my bachelors degree from Andrews University at age 21. This time there were no exceptions I was going to get to walk across a stage, shake some peoples hands and receive my degree in front of my family & friends. What could possibly go wrong?!? Aside from my best friend not coming, sharing my big day with my brother, and my family not finding the seats on time.  The worst thing in waiting so long to graduate is no one seeing you finally so it!!!

So, graduating to some is no big deal but to me it is. On Thursday May 2, 2013 I will be graduating from University of Central Florida with a Masters degree is Non Profit Management and I welcome you all to view the commencement ceremony live at http://webcast.oir.ucf.edu beginning 2:00 pm.

Thank you all for your prayers, love and support. They are greatly appreciated. 

The Graduating B*B*J*B