Love Story of Dee and Dang
I got my framed diploma today, and let me tell you… it is truly a thing of beauty. I can still hardly believe it- having a degree feels so surreal. Is it really mine? After eleven years of working and going to school when I could, did I really graduate?
I must have graduated, for there sits the diploma from the University of Tennessee that says I did.
I was so excited to see my degree from UTM in the mail today. As a matter-of-fact, I was as excited, or more excited, about that as I was during commencement. Now, there is no arguing or “take-backs.” The degree is mine and in hand; so, for the first time, it feels real to me.
This being the first degree that I have ever received, I didn’t quite know what to expect would arrive in the mail. Well, yes, I had an idea, but what arrived was so different from what I had imagined that it’s easy for me to say that I didn’t have any idea.
What arrived was the degree, of course, but it was like a degree “on drugs.” I didn’t realize that they gave one so much white space to work with. I suppose there is more than one way to present a degree. Anyway, I was shocked by the sheer size of the sheet of paper with my degree printed on it.
It’s at the framers now. I’m sure that they’ll know what to do with all that excess.
I am still giving the contacts a chance, but it isn’t looking good for them. My eyes simply will not focus with them in, and I can’t see anything out of my left eye with them.
Sure, I find it a bit disappointing that the contacts aren’t working out any better than they are, but I’m not loosing sleep over it. Contacts aren’t for everyone, I suppose. I really can’t complain too much, though. My eyes are holding their own, and the prescription for my glasses have remained the same.
This is the only thing that gets me: I wore contacts for years, and they were never comfortable. I am now wondering how I ever dealt with them. I wore them from ‘92 until ‘00, and I think that I had the same problems, even not being able to focus. So, how did I do it?
I think that being a kid had a lot to do with it. Back then, being less secure about my appearance, I must have been willing to endure most anything to feel “normal.” Now that I have some years on me, I ‘m just not willing to expend the energy on something that makes me so very uncomfortable for vanity’s sake. I’m pretty comfortable with how I am, and I have made peace with my vision.
So, the real question is: Why sweat the contacts?
I just got new contacts the other day- soft contacts. I have worn contacts before, years ago, and they didn’t work out so well for me. They were hard permeable glass, which means that they were quite painful.
These new contacts feel great. When they are in, I can’t even tell it. But, there is a problem; I can’t use them when I am working at a computer or reading. See, my eyes do not like working with one another. I can’t explain why exactly, but that’s how they have always been. For some reason, the problem of uncooperative eyes is even more pronounced when reading or working on the computer with my contacts in. My left eye just doesn’t care for the situation.
Now, here is where it gets really interesting. My eyes are just fine with the contacts when I am not at a computer or reading. When I am just out and about, the new contacts are the greatest thing ever. There’s no tunnel vision, things are more crisp, and my face is more comfortable.
So, I have to decide what to do. I love the contacts, for vain reasons more than anything else, but are they worth it if I can’t wear them all the time?
Well, after months of running around in circles, I finally received the Certificate in Accountancy that I had earned from Strayer University. Honestly, I was starting to wonder if I would ever see it.
I had actually fulfilled all of the qualifications for it more than a year ago, March 2006. I can’t say that I fully understand why it took so long to get it. I had applied for it back in the Spring of ‘06, but nothing ever came of that. Then, I got terribly busy with my undergraduate work at the University of Tennessee, Martin. I suppose that I never really gave it too much thought because of all the work that I was putting into my senior year. All of the sudden, though, graduation crept up on me, and I realized that I still needed that certificate- it’s one more thing to add to my job search arsenal. Besides, one doesn’t put in all that work to simply be overlooked.
So, I started working on getting it about 5 weeks ago. One email led to fifty. One phone call led to countless more, and it all amounted to one of the largest headaches in my life’s history.
“Oh, did you submit your Application for Graduation, Mr. Morgan?”
“Yes, I did- three times now. I’ve emailed it, faxed it, and sent a copy in the mail.”
Yes, that is what I dealt with for weeks on end. But I have the certificate now. It will really add to my portfolio, but had I it to do over, I would certainly choose another institution to earn an undergraduate certificate from.
I truly am thankful I never have to deal with Strayer University, again. Please, heed my warning… if a school is set up to make a profit, steer clear!!!
Today, I graduate.
Needless to say, I am so excited that I can hardly contain myself. There are so many emotions pumping through me right now (as they have been the past few nights). I’m excited, anxious, nervous, scared, elated, and sad. It’s no wonder that I couldn’t sleep a wink last night.
You might be thinking that feeling as much as I am feeling today is a bad thing; it’s not. What I am feeling is ALIVE. I learned a long time ago to appreciate the jumble of emotions that we can experience throughout the day, or all at once. Sure, being happy and elated is wonderful, but when put into perspective, so is being anxious and nervous.
If I wasn’t feeling anxious and nervous right now, I would be worried. This ceremony contains so much meaning. It is an ending, a beginning, a celebration, and a goodbye. And, because I am so emotional, I know that it is really important.
So, I say, bring on the emotions. Let me know that I am alive- truly alive. I want to experience this day honestly for what it is- momentous.
Today, I submit the very last assignment that I will ever submit as an undergraduate student. I must admit; it’s bitter-sweet.
I am, truly, tickled to death that my long, arduous journey to a bachelor degree is complete. I did it!!! I am very proud of what this final assignment represents, and that is my ability to follow through, and endure until the end. I’ll admit, I had a terrible case of the “senior blas.” But, rather than give in to those “blas,” I finished strong. I gave it 110% until the end, and I think that, although it may never be recognized, is one of the most important acts of my college career. One must see things through until the end.
Now, we know that I am very, very happy about finishing my work, about seeing things though, but I’m also saddened. You know, I really enjoyed school. I may have complained about the work from time to time, but all in all, it was quite fun. Rather than list all of the reasons I’m feeling sad, I think that it is enough to say that I am feeling some remorse for having to say goodbye to UTM and all those wonderful people there.
Although, my happiness is offset by sadness, it’s a healthy mix, for the sadness comes from a good place. It means that UTM will always have a special place in my heart.
With this final assignment, I seal the deal. The deed is done. My task is complete.
Ah, the dreaded 3-0. On this day, August 06, 1977, I was born. And, it is on this day August 06, 2007 that my life ends.
Pause for dramatic effect.
Isn’t that the way that I am supposed to feel? Everyone keeps telling me that I should be really sad. Sure, they don’t come straight out and say it, but they imply it by the things that they do say. I am supposed to be a sad, sad man for turning 30.
Okay, here’s the thing… I don’t feel bad. I feel, believe it or not, celebratory. Isn’t one of the main goals that we are shooting for old age? I’m far from old, but I’m achieving that goal with each day. Instead of feeling depressed for turning 30, one should feel elated for achieving a milestone.
On top of achieving a milestone, one has other reasons for being happy about turning 30. For one, you’re no longer in your twenties. Think about it… Sure, our twenties are fun, but they are also full of growing pains. For the most of our twenties, we really don’t know who we are, where we are going, or who we’re going with. So very much is up in the air. If we have worked at it, by the time we arrive at 30, we should at least be developing a clue.
As I turn 30, I have accomplished many of my goals, fell flat on my face enough times to be good at it, and can honestly say that I know myself; and, although, I change and grow every day, I recognize the person in the mirror enough to be able to keep up with who he is from one day to another. I grow with that person in the mirror.
As I turn 30, I like that person in the mirror. He has taken chances, seen and done things, and given himself a chance to grow as a human being. I am looking forward to my 30’s. They are just like your twenties, but with ten years of wisdom added.
In my 30’s, there is adventure, excitement, and more fulfillment just waiting for me. So, I say, it is time to celebrate the beginning of my best decade yet.
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