I made it after all!!

On May 7, 2017,  I finally graduated College. I officially have a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Distinction  in English  and Honors (something I never thought I would achieve in my life— the Honors and Distinction part). Quick story about my academic life: I was never on the Honor roll in elementary school, in fact, I was that kid that would go to summer school. I did not misbehave in any way, school was just difficult for me (especially math). I also struggled with ADHD. During my Junior year of high school, it was up to me to change my attitude towards school and that was when I decided to dedicate the rest of my high school years to "fixing" my grades (I remember listening to "Change" by Taylor Swift— I also listened to it as I was studying for my last finals this past semester.). It wasn't until the summer of my freshman year of college that I decided to give medication a try. After a week of taking medication, I quit the medication because I would frequently receive headaches. Soon, I knew I was to handle this without medicine. After changing my major so many times, I decided to give in to my passion for writing, and I majored in English. I became a Writing concentration— what I should have been since the beginning. Since then, I was nominated to be in the Honors Program and was given a very generous scholarship that covered the tuition of the second semester (Junior year). Not only that— but with the extra money that I had from my scholarship, I was able to study abroad to France! Indeed, I have been very blessed and I am so glad that changing my attitude towards school and improving my grades led to this. Also, throughout my years, one song that I would listen to for motivation was "Love is all around," the theme song of the Mary Tyler Moore Show! So of course, decorating my cap to say "I made it after all!" was very meaningful to me (I bet very few people knew about this show since it's from the 70's).

So the ceremony went great! Well, it was crowded, but everything turned out beautifully. I did not think I was going to tear up, but when I saw my name on the Graduation booklet, and saw that I was one of ten students in a class of about 400 to graduate with both Honors and Distinction, I could not hold my tears any longer. When I went up to receive my diploma, I may or may not have walked by very fast across the stage in attempt to not be the center of attention for long. After the ceremony, I took pictures with my friends outside, and here is one of the many beautiful photos, with my fellow English Major friends: 

Eventually, I was reunited with my family and we went Downtown Chicago to take pictures by Buckingham fountain (it was freezing, and I only had my gown for warmth!) Here is my attempt of trying to do the "hat up in the air" Mary Tyler Moore pose: 

When I got home, I went outside with my sister to take more picture, and here's a picture of me looking like I'm off to save the literary world (well maybe not save it, but help spread it!) 

Now that I am someone with an English degree, I promise to spread literature and share it with others for the rest of my life. 💓💙💚💛💜