soaking it in

I am taking my last college final EVER in 12 hours.

I can't even concentrate on my psych of women reading because of the million other thoughts racing through my mind. After turning in my psych 485 materials and taking my test at 10:30, I am done....absolutely and positively done with college at Texas A&M. I want to slow the clock for the next few hours so I can breathe in all that embodies being a college student. I am getting teary-eyed just thinking about the past 4 year journey that's finally coming to a close......

I feel like Mindy, Melanie, Melissa and I were just moving into Colby at TCU, and they have all three graduated from college.....and I'm next. Where does the time go? How can four years have passed just like that? I can't believe I moved to Fort Worth when I was 18--just a baby! and all of a sudden I am twenty-two and graduating from Texas A&M. I certainly veered off the course I had so strategically planned for myself, but hey, the best laid plans......

People always ask if I regret going to TCU and wish I would have come to TAMU my freshman year. absolutely not. I wouldn't trade my freshman year at TCU for anything in the world. I lived and I learned more that year than I have learned any year since. I learned that that wonderful, beautiful people do exist outside of Sugar Land :),that life long friendships can begin when you're 18, and that those who love and support you will ALWAYS love and support you. I finally opened my eyes to all of the wonderful opportunities that existed outside of the bubble I had created for myself, and it was spectacular. Out of my 8 bridesmaids, 4 of them lived, learned and endured freshman year with me at TCU. They have seen me at my best, my worst and certainly everywhere in between. God sent me to TCU, I am sure of it. I am so grateful for those nine months in funky town and I will keep those memories safely tucked in my heart forever.

but, let's be honest, I WAS BORN TO BE AN AGGIE. When my parents started taking me to games at Kyle Field in my diapers, it was game over. Some say it's enstilling Aggie traditions at a young age, maybe it's brainwashing, but whatever it may be, it's a part of my soul. Maybe it's because I am third generation or maybe it's not. I truly believe that anyone who enters Aggieland can feel the bond that us Aggies will always share. I am so proud to be graduating from this University, not only because of its prestige and the education I have received, but because of what it means to be a part of the 12th man. The traditions, the spirit, the enthusiasm, the common bond we all share to be a part of this school is irreplaceable. To walk the campus that my grandaddy walked in 1953 is surreal. To study at the same library my parents studied at in 1978 gives me chills. It's impossible to explain to someone who didn't come to A&M what this common bond feels like, but it is forever. I have told my mom for as long as I can remember that my husband only had to have one quality: he had to be an Aggie.....and look at me now! My fiance is class of 2008 and I will forever be able to share this Aggie experience with him. absolutely phenomenal. I am certain that I followed the right path by becoming an AGGIE and I know my parents are going to be beaming with pride as I walk across that stage on Friday......