On Saturday I graduated from the University of La Verne!! I have looked at the pictures multiple times and come away with the same thoughts...how could I have been so blessed to be in this program with such amazing people? And how blessed have I been by the support and encouragement of my family and friends on the journey? I am overflowing with a grateful heart!
As graduation drew close I had some reflections I thought I would share in my blog. You see I have never questioned if I was to be in this program and I remember so clearly the peace I had when I was looking at programs. I knew without a doubt this is where the Lord had directed me. I laughed this week as I shared with a friend that my focus was so much on where I was to be, that I never pictured the end! I was focused on not missing anything in the program and wanted to make sure that I fully embraced all that I was learning. So imagine my surprise when I made it to the end! And what a joy-filled moment it was celebrating with my family and friends throughout the day.
There is so much I want to write but to sum it all up I am thankful. Thankful that the Lord brought me to La Verne, placed me in a cohort with AMAZING people, provided the support and encouragement from family and friends, and provided an opportunity for me to learn and grow in ways I never thought possible. I am different today than when I began this program, and I am almost at a loss for how to put it into words. I was given so many unbelievable gifts through this program and will forever be changed because of it!
They say it takes a village and I truly believe it does. God blessed me with friends, colleagues, and faculty who have cheered me on and listened as I spoke about all I was learning academically, personally, and spiritually during the three years. The friends I met in the program are more gifts from God! My words can not describe adequately my deep feelings, but the friendships I gained these past three years have forever changed my life.
I also reflected on the amazing support of my family. I am keenly aware of their prayers and encouragement over these three years. From around the US their facebook notes, cards, and phone calls gave me energy to keep at it. Specifically my husband and daughters who always believed I was capable of completing the degree and patient as I asked them to wait a little longer to complete a paper or webinar before dinner. They were my rock and supported me without compromise throughout all three years.
God's hand has been on my journey and will continue as I move forward beyond this program. I am different because of what I learned and who I met. Thank you Lord for blessing me beyond what I could ever have imagined. May I make a difference in the lives of others because of all I have been given!
During the ceremony each student had one minute to share a few thoughts. I thought I would post what I shared here.
Realizing
you can’t go through a doctoral program without changing, I asked my family to
tell me how I am different from when I began the program in 2010. I was surprised and affirmed by what I heard
– they see a new level of confidence in me – not just academically but in how I
present myself, and who I am. They
believe I am more comfortable with myself and there has been a refinement and
refocusing of what matters. I’m also
clear on where I am headed – for that I thank Dr. Roberts and the first year
vision collage which hangs in my entry way at home. It’s through this program that I have been
transformed. Going forward I hope to make a difference and represent ULV
well. Academically I have been
challenged, personally I have been stretched, and most important through this
program I have been absolutely changed.
Thank you to the faculty, my colleagues and friends, and my family who
supported my transformation!
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