Graduation!!!

Finally, I'm done!!!  

I finally earned a college degree in Clinical Laboratory Science,

 and it was the same week I turned 44.

Three and a half years of studying and sleepless nights led to graduation at the James Brown Arena.

Before the ceremony we were herded like cattle in these pens under the arena.  

These are just a few of my classmates.  There were about 18 in my class  (I was the only one here in Springfield) and a few more in the Masters class who will graduate in the Spring.

Everybody in Augusta, GA was so nice to us, they even gave us a special parking space.

The night before graduation was the awards ceremony and the professors arranged for dinner at the Olive Garden afterwards.  Only two of the Masters student and one set of parents made it.  

From left to right is Ms. Kraj (she taught Molecular), Dr. Anne Ranne (I love her name, she taught Professional Ethics), Rocky, Me, Dr. Pretlow (Biochemisty and research writing, also a great mentor for me through the program), the two Masters students, one set of parents (they thought I was from the South), Dr. Russell (Hematology and Microbiology; I've never heard a Southerner talk as fast as she does), and Ms. Eggert (she teaches Radiation Therapy, I did not have her as a teacher).  Mr. Wise did not come to dinner, he taught Blood Banking and Immunology.

I'll be bringing in the new year with a new job.  I can't wait to start.  PeaceHealth hired me to work in the Blood Bank at River Bend Hospital and I'll also work at the small lab they kept at Sacred Heart.