Graduation was last week- crazy! Pictures can be seen on my mom's blog. It seems silly, but I never imagined actually graduating--not that I ever expected to fail out, or leave, I just never thought much about the actuality of leaving college! I suppose that will take a while to truly comprehend the changes that will come from having the diploma, but for now, I am still getting used to the reality that I am no longer a Vanderbilt student.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Vanderbilt for the past three years. I had some great, challenging professors (and some not so great professors, more interested in their own research than undergraduate classes), I made some wonderful friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed living in Nashville and all that it had to offer. But more than anything else, Vanderbilt helped me realize that my potential is so much bigger than I have ever imagined it to be. When I pledged Tri Delta at Ole Miss, I never saw myself being involved much at all, much less a senior officer who was an integral part of the chapter. I never, ever, thought I would be a part of student government and have such a tangible opportunity to influence student life at Vanderbilt and be an advocate for my peers to the administration. I realized that I have both a penchant and a passion for administrative duties, and that it is something I want to pursue in a career. I realized that I was capable of so much more than I ever imagined, and that I could truly have an impact on the lives of others, and that my life does impact others--it is my choice to decide whether that impact is positive or negative.
The chancellor gave a powerful charge at the graduation ceremonies-- work hard, and always, always, always be grateful. Having the opportunity to get an education from one of the top 20 schools in the United States is something I will always be grateful for, and I am particularly grateful to my parents and grandparents who provided me with the opportunity to attend whatever school I wanted, no matter the cost. I love you all so much, and am so encouraged and inspired by the way that you live your lives, and pray that I may be able to love and serve others as generously and strongly as all of you have!
I am now working at Camp Kivu running the office, which is so fun! I get my first Office Girls today around 2 (can you tell I'm a little excited?! I can't wait for some help!). Mama, I promise I will take some pictures today so that you can see what Camp looks like!
Okay, time to forward the phones so I can go down to lunch!
NP
