Graduation!

May 1st, 2009: GRADUATION!!! For as long as I can remember, I've planned on getting a masters degree, with a doctorate following shortly thereafter. Who wouldn't want to spend as much time in school as possible?! I assumed that checking off the second degree would feel a bit like the first---nice to have completed, but really just another small step down the long career path with miles to go before I sleep/eat/live, etc. However, it felt AMAZING!!! None of that small step business...and I was really glad I decided to participate in the ceremony itself.

I dragged my roommate Kara along and she was quite the supportive family member/roommate/friend. I owe all of the following footage to her skill, save the photograph in which she is pictured. I'm sure she could have taken even that under pressure though...

One of the undergraduate singers I coach received an award, so we got to perform! Nothing like rockin' a little Puccini...in COMPLETE DARKNESS!!! Please look at my music---not to be confused with the black hole that is the music stand. At dress rehearsal we had a bit of a discussion regarding lighting, and I was assured all would be well. Aside from the bit where I couldn't tell what I was supposed to be playing, it really was fabulous. Who wouldn't want to improv Puccini for a crowd of music school students though? Seriously. :)

My university cares. With the high number of swine flu reports rampant in Michigan, we were provided/forced to be hand-sanitized before AND after receiving our diplomas. We were also told we needn't shake hands. Which is of course the option I chose. I couldn't risk the plague...so I curtsied. Alright, not really. BUT there were people at the larger university commencement who felt it was appropriate to fist-bump the president of the university. Classy. And all in the name of health I'm sure!

Kara and I went out for a graduation dinner celebration afterward, and found that we had graduation groupies. Or just some friends out for a bite before seeing a movie. I prefer to think the former. While this may have been an accidental occurrence, it was the one that most made my evening. They did a brilliant job of playing my family: Dan (pictured on the far right) decided that we should go around the table and have everyone say what they liked about me. Once I finally finished, they didn't have much time before the restaurant closed, but they really made the time they had count. Seriously, though, this will be one of my favorite Michigan moments. It was so wonderful to be with friends and to hear them sincerely share how/why they valued you. It felt like family---the word I would probably use to describe what the Hill Street ward has been to me. I'm truly grateful for the friendships I've gained in MI. It was also a nice reminder of the power of positivity. I left that night wanting to be a better person, so I could try and be the girl that warranted their kind comments. Someday. Maybe after a doctorate...


So...from Kindergarten...

to AF High...

USU...

And the University of Michigan!!!

With a DMA yet to come...at an undetermined time. Here's to a break from school and "real-life" experience in the opera world!