Graduation Weekend

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Recently, I left town to attend my daughter’s college graduation. A milestone in her life and mine.

Luckily, despite all my parenting, she did everything right. For starters, she studied way harder than I ever did when I was a student. Applying herself, strategically planning her course schedule, focusing on everything she needed to do for her Economics major, and participating in extra-curricular activities, including becoming co-president of the Undergraduate Economics Society. And of course, last summer she did a study abroad program in Barcelona.

Whereas, I can’t tell you how many classes I cut during my four years in college. Nor, how many all-nighter’s I pulled–sometimes studying, and sometimes just to play countless rounds of Bid Wisp. Lord knows how many times I just managed to scrape by. Physics 101 is a prime example of this.

Frankly, it’s a miracle I graduated at all, leaving college with no plan except the knowledge that I liked to write. And, because of that, I went on to pursue a Master’s in Journalism. Anything to avoid entering the workplace, right? Meanwhile, my daughter graduated knowing she had long ago lined up a job in her field.

I’m sure you can imagine just how proud I am of her and all her accomplishments.

Well, it rained the weekend of her graduation. And, sometimes it just poured. Practically the entire time, if you ask me. Despite the inclement weather, we made the most of it, and had a grand time. And, if there’s anything you know about me by now, it’s my delight in taking pictures. Here’s a sampling of graduation weekend:

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The skies were gray and everything was damp. I think the following photos pretty much capture it. But they also capture the lush beauty of the campus. How serene and bejeweled by nature it appears. So peaceful it was to amble through its many paths, and so much splendor to take in.

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One look at this building and you know where the expression, the halls of ivy, came from:DSCN7118

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It rained while we waited for the students to take their seats, but once they did, the rain miraculously stopped and didn’t resume until the ceremony was over.DSCN7179

A sea of purple. Can you spot my daughter? Hint: She’s smiling at me.

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I got a chuckle out of seeing the school photographer, who appeared out of place in his shorts.DSCN7235

And one more. I couldn’t help myself in taking this last photo. After all, I absolutely adore seeing the natural beauty of flowers!DSCN7325

In case you’re interested, I’ve attached a video of the keynote speaker, Mikail Baryshnikov. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what a renowned dancer would have to say to graduates, but it was a good speech and gave us all lots to consider.

31 thoughts on “Graduation Weekend”

  1. I’ve been AWOL for a week and am playing catchup, but I had to let you know what a lovely commencement wrapup this was! Congrats to you and your daughter on this momentous occasion. Her campus is gorgeous, and I love the photo of the two of you under the arch. Well done, Mom — it looks as if you got her launched properly, regardless of the rain!

    • Thanks, Debbie. I’m sure you agree just how quickly four years went. It was a beautiful ceremony. Did my heart good, and now begins the next chapter of her life, and mine!

  2. When I was young and still dancing I had a life size poster of Mikail Baryshnikov on my wall. He was my hero, he was perfection on so many levels.

    I loved his speech.

    Congratulations for raising such a brilliant daughter.

  3. Congratulations to both you and your daughter, Monica! I know you are amazingly proud. That your daughter worked way harder than you in college gives me incredible hope for when mine also reach that stage. I am encouraged. 🙂

    More importantly, I wish you both well on this next chapter of your lives. It is always a journey, one well worth documenting, for her and your grandchildren, when/if… when the time comes.

    I’ve missed catching up, but in due time. Lots to catch up on!

    Be Well!

    • SomerEmpress, so good see you again. Thank you for stopping by and for all your kind words, which I’m treasuring. Funny, I’m kind of ready to be a grandma, but neither of my kids is at that point. Besides, my daughter is just 22 and just starting her career. She’s got her whole life ahead of her, even if I don’t. 😉

  4. You really did squeeze every bit of pride and joy out of that weekend. It is a milestone — one that can’t help but take us back to our own college days. We’re lucky to have the daughters we have. And they’re pretty lucky, too. 😉

    • Yes, I’m beaming. I am so proud of my girl. She did well and she’s now living her city life in Chicago. Do you remember ever seeing Misha in the film, The Turning Point? He was amazing. Loved his dancing and he’s still got it. Sigh.

    • Yes, she is! Thoughtsy, I’m so impressed you spotted her! Doesn’t she look radiant? I think she was in shock that four years of college went so quickly and no more papers to write, etc.

      And, yes, Baryshnikov is the guy from Sex and the City. I loved that show. I had a big crush on Mr. Big.

      • OMG, now you’re making me feel like I need to do a Sex and the City marathon. So many great storylines. I’ll never forget that amazing dress she wore on the last night of dating Baryshnikov. He stood her up as she waited for him in the hotel room, and, as she lay in bed, all dressed up, the skirt of that dress pretty much covered the entire bed. It was actually a breathtaking sight. Of course, best of all was when she went outside and ran into Mr. Big. Heaven!

    • Thanks so much, Lisa. Mischa was very good and inspiring. If you get a chance, you should listen to what he has to say. He also made us laugh a few times, which was an added plus!

  10. What campus is this? It’s gorgeous. Congratulations to you and your daughter. Sounds like she’s going to do great things in this world. Already lined up a job — in this environment?! Wow! That’s awesome. And I the pretty, new look of your blog!

    • Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. My daughter visited a lot of campuses when she was applying to college. But when she visited Northwestern, it was love at first sight. She knew this was where she wanted to be. I still remember the joy we both felt when she was accepted. Receiving that big, overstuffed envelope in the mail, made us both cry with happiness. It was her number one choice.

  11. Beautiful photo for the two of you Monica. I love seeing the two of you together, I can’t explain it, perhaps because I have daughters too, it makes me feel happy. I love your photos and most of all, I love how well your daughter did, has done and for the job she already has lined up. Congratulations! to you both. Oh and by the way, I love Mikail Baryshnikov.. Have you seen him dance? I liked him on Sex and the City too. How unique to have him speak. Hugs

    • Thank you, MM. Coming from you this means so much to me, for I know what a good, caring mother you are. So you don’t have to explain. I understand. It’s wonderful having daughters.

      Re Mikail, in his intro he doesn’t introduce himself as a dancer, but as the old man from Sex and the City. Everyone got a good laugh over that. 😉

  12. That is one smart young lady Monica, I am sure you are very proud of her, and I am sure she is equally proud of you as well for being her Mom.

    Lovely pictures as well superb colours.

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