A Grad Finale!

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Dear Followers,

So it's been almost a week since I became an Alumnus of Benedictine College, and to tell you the truth, I still have not fully decompressed all the emotions and feelings I have. It's weird not waking up in the morning to go to my eight o'clock Writing Fiction class where people tell me whether or not the stories I wrote were good and how I could improve them. It's weird not going to work where I spent three years of tears and energy into making sure that I did my best and to help Benedictine College Ministry be valued by all. It's especially weird not having ANY homework, which I am not complaining about. Now, I won't bore you with the little detalis of my days before graduation because honestly, they would only entail what I ate, drank, and wore, but I will tell you that those were some of the best days I have ever spent at Benedictine with my friends. Senior week was so fun because I was really able to spend time with people that have helped influence me and who I am over the past four years. Out of seven from my high school that went to BC, there were four of us who graduated together this year, and it was really fun to spend time with all of them because we have been together for eight years. Now, whether you believe it or not, I was very adventurous last week. I swam in Warnock Lake TWICE, once at night which was probably not allowed, and I sang "Play That Funky Music Whiteboy" at keryoke night. I cleaned like I have never cleaned before and I went to many different restaurants in Atchison that took me four years to try. Parker House probably has the best lunch I have had, but Marigolds still wins for breakfast. I even went to the International Forest of Friendship and saw the Moon Tree, which was planted on the moon or something like that. Maybe NASA will come looking for it!

Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation had some great messages. At the Mass, Archbishop Naumann told us that although we will be separated geographically, we will always be united together in the Eucharist. He also said it's not about the degree we get from college but about the time spent with others and how we serve them. The next day, our valedictorian gave us a message from "the real world" which was by far one of the best speeches I have heard in a long time. She graduated early and got married in August and told us that the "real world" is not all dandelions and rainbows but that it really is hard work and we have to get used to doing things for ourselves. I also was touched by the message that Governor Brownback gave us when he said that we need to be relational. Relationships are what matter most and they are the backbone to anything we do. So true, Governor, so true. I had never felt so proud when I walked down from the Abbey drive with my fellow Mass Communications majors and when I walked across the stage in my red TOMS that I decorated for the special occasion. I also was very proud to see that our fellow classmates who died, Cheri Menk and JP Forget, received honorary diplomas. Although sad, I know that they both were watching over us and their families and friends.

Over the past four years, I have never truly called Benedictine my "home" because I never wanted it to overshadow my true hometown, but after graduating, I know that Benedictine College is my second home and I will be able to go back there and still be welcomed and loved. Benedictine is where I had one of my biggest conversions and where I met some of my best friends, and where I found my future calling to work for FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). I will always hold BC close to my heart.

This summer will be filled with many weddings, traveling, fundraising, and meeting new people who will be apart of my life for at least the next two years. I am excited to see how the things I learned at Benedictine help me out in my post-Benedictine life. I also hope to continue to be adventurous. I did a Celine Dion radio project but it never did get on the Circuit website unfortunately. I have gained friends and lost friends over four years, seen parts of Europe I have only dreamed about, been nominated for Homecoming Queen, did a polar plunge, had many friends enter into seminary or the religious life, and SOOO much more! Holy moly, BC was good to me! I want to thank all my professors and administration at BC who dedicated their time to help me academically. I especially want to give a shout out to President Minnis, who I prayed the Rosary with every Wednesday morning. I don't think I know of another college/university president who knows every student by name and wants to have a personal relationship with each one. He is dedicated to his community, faith, and family at Benedictine. My friends and family have also given me support when I needed it most. I know that when I go back to visit BC, I will be able to find them at my side always. As we say at BC, "Forward. Always Forward. Everywhere Forward." I can't wait to continue forward and take what I learned and got from BC and apply it to my future. I am SOO lucky!

Until next time,

Jolly.

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