inevitable graduation post

Well, here it is! The reason I have neglected my blogging responsibilities is because I was too busy getting my undergraduate degree. Finals, and stressful internship mayhem has lead me astray. I missed writing for the unknown masses, but alas, here I am!

Wow, I have a bachelor of science in clinical health studies! Sure, I can't really do much with that besides continue with my program but in two years I will be a doctor of physical therapy! Check that out. It just feels so great having a degree to my name. My mom just got her bachelor's degree in environmental studies two summers ago and my father never went to college. I am so fortunate that I was able to go to college. My parents are divorced, Ithaca College's tuition costs thousands of dollars more than both of their annual salaries combined and my twin brother is also going to school! Isn't that outstanding? The system has loads of flaws and the cost is incredible, but for a few of us it works out alright.

Sometimes I forget how amazing it is that we have been able to go to school and though we are certainly not in a comfortable situation financially, we are able to use state and federal funding for an education. (Although, when I think about how racism and other major issues comes into play in academia, my stomach churns, but that's a whole 'nother blogpost!) Education is a birth right and in my opinion everyone should be able to go to college. Knowledge is power, and every person deserves the chance to get a degree without worrying about the affordability of it.

I am so grateful, and it blows my mind that I have completed a 4 year degree. I have won the academia game (so far)! Physics, calculus, anatomy... I beat you all! Eat my shorts, Electrotherapy and Pathology! Suck it, Shakespeare! I have a minor in art and nearly a minor in art history. I have taken classes on 4 different campuses; Skidmore College, Ithaca College, Rochester's Strong Teaching Hospital, Ithaca College London Center, and Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School (for physical therapy, no religious courses, I swear).

Throughout my academic career, I have had some of the worst roommates and still survived! They have spilled beer on my laptop which later corroded (thank god applecare replaced my logicboard, motherboard, etc. for free!), given me the silent treatment for several days, talked about me brutally behind my back and I have prevailed!

Not to dwell in the bad roommate times... I had marvelous people to live with, perhaps the best ever forged with the precious roommate metals reserved by the gods. Those four intelligent, beautiful, feisty women flatmates in London are the people I will stay in touch with until I am an eighty year old sassy lady. We traveled Europe in places where no one really spoke the language, though we tried, and explored our independence in a way living in a dorm surrounded with Resident Assistants and the support of an entire solid campus could not provide. We found a flat in central London that was affordable and adorable. We used public transportation in another country after nights of heavy drinking and safely got home every night (or sometimes in the morning for the lucky ladies).

I was able to live with my boyfriend! We tested our relationship in a way many adults even twice our age have trouble accomplishing and you know what- it has been great! With my bizarre sickness last semester, I might have... I dunno, well, it would have been terrible without him. We have a fabulous apartment full of love, pasta... and a cat!

My friends are amazing, and shockingly fantastic people! They are incredibly unique and diverse. I love all of them! Not a day goes by without me thinking, this is really a great thing. When I was in elementary school I could count in my hands the number of true solid friends I had, but now my social life is so rich and satisfying like a fine chocolate cake.

I am twenty one years old. I have a college degree, a great family, the best friends a girl could ask for, a fabulous boyfriend and a cat. Have I mentioned that I have been to six different countries in the past 3 years? Let's hope graduate school goes this well! I have four clinical to complete. My first one actually starts next week in central New York, but as far as the others go... I haven't even decided where they will be! My options are pretty much anywhere in the country and I am excited to explore this nation through the profession of physical therapy. I cannot wait to graduate with my doctorate. I am going to change this place for the better... through doctors without borders, a clinic designed for patients who cannot see physical therapists because of the high cost, lobbying for better health care.... something big! Make way, World! You have two years to get ready for this, but I'm comin'!!!