Feeling Formal: Graduation and Prom

I can't remember the last time that I actually blogged during the same month an event happened.  Huzzah!

On May 2nd I graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (Nursing Degree) from Salt Lake Community College.  I began by enrolling in 17 credits of pre-requisites back in January of 2021.  Since then I've earned 76 college credits from SLCC, not to mention the transfer credits I brought from my other degrees. The journey's been lengthy but rewarding.

Here's a photo of my nursing cohort.  With over 100 students, we were one of the largest cohorts that SLCC has had.

When I first started the program, I felt awkward and out of place.  I wondered if I would ever get to know other students, particularly since I would dart home immediately after class.  Amazingly, I did interact with most of my cohort over the four semesters, and made close friends with a few.  The three women sitting closest to me in this photo are Diana, Katie, and Emily---all fellow Moms who have decided to pursue a nursing degree later in life.

While I skipped the college-wide commencement, we celebrated with a Pinning Ceremony specific to the nursing program.  Here we are stating the Nightingale Pledge, in which I commit before God and men "to abstain from deleterious and mischievous behavior."

I was so grateful for my cheering squad.  Talia couldn't come because she was in the middle of an IB test, but Jason, Brooklyn, Eli, Annika, Brianna, Violet, Adam, and Susie were all there.  Thank you for coming!

I tried to entertian them by coming on stage a few times.  This was an award for Academic Excellence (4.0 GPA).

This is the group that became AHEC scholars in order to better help underserved communities.

And here are those of us who participated in SLCC SNO, the Student Nursing Organization.  

Unsurprisingly, it was Annika who "stole" the show.  Typical youngest child.

A few more photos with my amazing family.  Thank you all for your support over these past years!  Even more, thanks for your continued support as I hop right back into school again.  I really do plan on actually working as a nurse--I promise!

To celebrate, we went out to eat at the Hook and Ladder.  I love how it's adjacent to The Sandlot.   The movie was filmed just a few blocks away.

Burgers, onion rings, and ice cream.  What's not to love?  It might be worth all the PrepU's (online quizzes) right there.  

My pinning ceremony may have been semi-formal, but Talia's prom a few days later was the real deal.  She and her best friend Clara asked two cousins, Zach and Thatcher.  From the looks of it, they had a great time.  Jason went and took photos.  It was hard to narrow them down, so enjoy the lot.

Talia ordered her dress online and paid for it with her own babysitting money.  She looks like a princess!

Talia and Zach, followed by Clara and Thatcher.

The Prom-posal and first dance.   The boys were great, but if forced to choose, these girls most wanted to hang out with each other.

Happy Junior Prom, Talia and Clara!  It's been so fun to watch you beautiful gals grow up together.

One final thought before I sign off for the night.  Finding a nursing job has been more challenging than I expected.  I've put out lots of applications and received just as many rejections.  Understandably, many employers are looking for work experience when I have far more life experience.  While a bit discouraging, I've decided to leave it in God's hands for now and take a hiatus from job hunting until the kids go back to school in August.  In pondering all this, today I was filled with overwhelming gratitude for the privilege I've had to stay home and raise these magnificent humans.  I don't know if I'll ever go far in any career, and frankly, I don't much care.  While not highly recognized by the world nor valued on a resume, being their mother is the best job I could ever ask for and truly an honor.