Hello Real World

I finally did it. I graduated with my Master's Degree. After two (long and stressful) years, and many friendships made, I am finally done. I never would have been able to do it without my classmates who became a second family, my friends, my family, and my boyfriend.

To my classmates: We did it! You became a second family to me. We stressed out about Lee and Meric's class and had fun at Landmark. While we may not remember all the lessons we were taught, I'm pretty sure we'll remember Dr. Parker and his lack of computer use.

To my friends: I'll finally be able to hang out again.  Thanks for your patience and support while I did this! Nick...this means I better be seeing more of you!

To my family: I never would have gotten this far in life without any of you. You have been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters no matter what. Whether it was school or sports, you were always there for me.  Mom Mom and Poppy...I wish you could have been here last night to see my walk across that stage.  I know you were looking down smiling and saying that's our granddaughter though. I miss each of you more and more each and everyday.

To my boyfriend: You're the best. You were always there telling me I could do it even when I had no faith in myself. Thanks for being a great cheerleader for me. And no...you're not allowed to mooch off me :)

It was six years ago I graduated from GCHS, two years ago from YCP, and now from RU.  I don't know what I'm going to be doing going forward but I know I'll have the same support system cheering me on and having faith in me even when I don't. I love all of you and there's no words I can say to show you how much I owe to you.

Now the worry?

One would think that I would be happy. I mean I am, don't get me wrong. I took my last final last night. It's a good feeling knowing I never have to take another class or final as a student again...or do I? Last night I had the final for the one class not only myself, but all of my friends have been stressing about all semester.  It is the one class where no one knows what will happen.  Everyone thought grades would be posted by next week, mainly before graduation. However, we were told that exams wouldn't even be graded until the week after.  While this should be a happy time for me, knowing that I finally made it through grad school and am earning my MBA, I sit here and worry.

Although I did wake up with what felt like a huge weight lifted off of me (I mean it is a great feeling all of my hard work paid off in my other classes), I sit here and worry.

Obama-1, Osama-0

With the news hitting that bin Laden is dead, much of the world is rejoicing, me being included. I will never forget sitting in my religion class on my first day of high school and hearing the principal come on the PA system announcing the attacks.  After that every class I had we watched the news, except for one.  My fourth period science class. Our teacher's son was in the World Trade Center that day and she had no idea if he was okay (we later learned he was).  The school then decided it would be in the best interest to dismiss us at noon because of possible attacks at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which is located across the river from my high school.

Almost ten years later, and the war is still going on. Last night is another one of those moments where I'll never forget where I was when I heard President Barack Obama announced we got Osama bin Laden. Last night I was at my boyfriends watching the Phillies/Mets game. With the game going on we awaited to hear the President's announcement. Now we Phillies fans get/have a bad reputation.  Last night, I think we earned some respect.  With no annoucement being made in the stadium, the fans saw the news on their phones and reacted. Chants of USA filled the South Philadelphia air. I think this is one of only two times Phillies and Mets fans were able to get along (the other being ten years ago).

While I am ecstatic bin Laden is dead, I worry about any revenge that may happen.  My boyfriend thinks that it will take Al-Qeida awhile to plan something.  I feel the opposite.  This is a mastermind terrorist sect we are talking about.  They probably have about 20 or so revenge plans just waiting to be launched. The plans are already made; it's just a waiting game now.  I hope I am wrong though. Although this is a battle victory, the war is not over.

I really wish I could thank our troops personally, especially the Navy Seals that accomplished this mission, but I can't. So I say it here, thank you US troops for all you have done and continue to do to help keep America safe. I may not always show it or express it, but I am proud to be an American, and without your efforts I would never even be able to say those words. God Bless America.