So today is the day that I have been waiting for since the summer of 2006 when I started this journey called the Masters of Management program at Aquinas College. I have been so blessed that I have paid next to nothing for the honors of learning. The first 9 classes were paid for through the tuition reimbursement program through my employer. Then after the company closed down I applied to the No Worker Left Behind program offered by the state of Michigan for unemployed and underemployed. After some major hoop jumping I was accepted just prior to starting a new job. The remaining 4 classes were paid for by the taxpayers (Thank you !!). I decided a while back that when the time came I would definitely walk at commencement. Afterall I was not able to participate in the festivities when I graduated from Grand Valley because one of my best friends was getting married and I was in the wedding. Even though I didn't really mind missing the 1987 graduation, I tease Teri about it whenever I can (sorry, Teri). So I paid the $58.95 for the cap and gown, the hood and the tassle - which is somewhat funny because one spends all that money for something you wear for 4 hours and it can't even be altered for another use. I picked up the garments and hung them up, where they stayed for the past week and a half.
Now this is the funny part - so keep reading...
I put the gown on this morning around 11:00 and thought, "is this really supposed to go down to my ankles?" I mean, it's been almost 30 years since I went to my own graduation, but maybe things have changed. Then I looked at the size sticker on the inside. It read 5'10". In case you didn't know...I am barely tall enough to ride the rollercoasters at the amusement parks :). I looked at my order card, It read 5 / 0, which could, I guess, easily be mistyped into an order form. Panic set in. My daughter sensed it and instantly came to my rescue. "It's ok, mom", she said. "We can go and get another one." I was freaking out, "I'm not even going to be able to walk", I softly said. "All of this work and I can't even walk". I was trying so hard to control my tears. So 2 hours before I had to be there, Alison and I ventured out to Aquinas's bookstore to see if they can fix this crisis. Alison kept saying that it's ok. She just knew that it would be. I was not so sure. So we fought traffic and construction and finally arrived at the bookstore. I walked in and almost instantly teared up. I explained my dilemma and realized how funny it actually sounded coming out of my mouth. The nice lady next to me said she had safety pins if there wasn't another gown. I thought, yea, we can pin it to my armpits. First they brought out a gown that would work but quickly realized it was for a bachelor's degree rather than the masters (it makes a difference you know). Finally, she brought out one that was exactly my size. Whew. Tears of relief couldn't be controlled. Still not sure what to do with this stupid thing called a hood.
Now on with the race...we quickly made our way back home to pick up Joel who had been showering when we had to go on our adventure. Alison had to quickly change into a beautiful dress because we had noticed all the suits and nice outfits at the college - jeans would just not do.
Off we go. Again.
Made it just around the corner...did anyone grab the tickets for Joel and Alison to get in? Nope. Turn around. Oh, and grab some kleenex for the big cryer on the way out!
Off we go. Yet again.
I was beginning to wonder if this is one of those groundhog day nightmares :) Joel and Alison were left at the gymnasium and I continued on to the Academic building to meet up with the rest of the class who probably already knew what to do with the stupid hoods. On the way up the steps, a young lady with all kinds of honor cords hanging around her neck (getting her bachelor's degree as was evident by her gown) said, "I have a really stupid question, do you know what we are supposed to do with the hoods?" I laughed and said, "not a clue! But I bet there is someone in there to help us get dressed!" Which there was. All we had to do was drape them over our left arm. Duh! Who'dathunkit.
So. Finally. We walked from the academic building to the field house under the gorgeous sunny sky. Practically sat on laps while waiting for our second in the spot light. I had a vision for a fleeting moment that I was at Hogwarts with all the hoods and capes and colors and almost laughed out loud. But it all went off without a hitch. They even said my name right. And I did it. Time to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.
Anyone want a cap and gown for real cheap? I'll even throw in the hood for free!!
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