Graduation

This past weekend I walked in graduation-although technically I won't be finished until December. The College of Nursing at BYU just has their own way of doing things, one of which is to have us walk one semester prior to graduation. I felt a little silly walking when I still have another semester, but I also felt a strong feeling of almost accomplishment. Once this nursing degree is officially obtained I'm sure I'll feel it more. My awesome family came to support me. I appreciate their support so much, not just in coming to graduation, but all the help they've given me to get this far.
First of all, to my amazing mom and dad, who taught me the importance of getting an education and instilled in me the desire to learn. They have both spent countless hours listening to me vent about the pressures of school and reassured me that I would get through it.
Then these two women, my sister Heidi and my BFSC (Best friend/sister/cousin) Jana who make me laugh and have helped me enjoy this journey! You all know all about my amazing sister Heidi by now. If you want to truly appreciate Jana's uniqueness, wittiness, and amazing style check out her blog http://oursideofthetracks.blogspot.com. You'll laugh, you'll cry.

I'm so glad I belong to such a supportive, wonderful family. Will (far left) has always been a great big brother I could always count on. Nate was excused from attending due to him currently serving a mission in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Finally, and most importantly, my amazing husband. Ben has played such a big role in helping me get (okay, almost get) this degree. From cooking dinner for me when I get home from long clinical shifts, to agreeing to set his alarm as well in the morning because I'm so paranoid that mine won't get off and I'll be late to clinical, to just hugging me when I've been stressed and discouraged. This man is amazing, I just love him.
Ben's little sister Jessi is staying out here this summer, she cam to support as well! Yay for family!
Let it be known, Jana's mom Pam, who is basically an aunt to me was at graduation as well. Somehow I didn't manage to get a picture of her, but I definitely love her.

Even though they don't read my blog, there are two more people who have played as big a role as any in helping me get my nursing degree- my aunt Georgia and uncle Dick. They live in Salt Lake, minutes from IMC where the majority of my clinical shifts have been. They graciously welcome me and a few nursing buddies into their home the night before clinical to make our pre-assessment and clinical experience a little smoother. Not only did they let us stay there, but my aunt made us an amazing home cooked dinner each week and a delicious smoothie for breakfast in the morning. Both me and my friends have been extremely grateful fo their help and hospitality. Going to clinical at 6 am before the sun is even up is just so much easier when someone else makes breakfast and gives you a hug on your way out the door!

Although this won't be official until December, I have finished most of the coursework and all the clinical rotations. All I have to do this last semester is a small course in Community Nursing, complete my capstone rotation (210 hous of clinical experience in Labor and Delivery-I'm so excited) and study for boards!