Two weeks ago I officially accepted a position as a Centennial Volunteer Ambassador in Washington, D.C.! It is an AmeriCorps position, working for the Student Conservation Association and the National Park Service. I will work to increase volunteerism in National Parks in the area and help to prepare for
the Centennial (100th) year of the National Park Service and all of the celebrations that will occur. I am excited to be moving to the DC area and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the city each and every day. Lots more to come on my new job in the near future!
While in the midst of accepting the position in DC I was taking my last two finals, giving my last college presentations, and writing my last papers. And, in among doing those things I was also attending to my residents, as they all prepared to leave for the semester. I also found time to spend my evenings with friends that I may not see for a long time. Dinners, banquets, receptions, hangouts, nights out, and late night talks were all had during this final week together. It was a crazy, hectic week, but extremely fun.
And with that, Saturday came around....which meant GRADUATION!
On Saturday morning I graduated from Michigan Technological University with a degree in Applied Ecology and Environmental Science, with a concentration in Communicating Natural Resources and a minor in Environmental Studies.
Not only did I graduate, I also had the extreme privilege and honor of giving the student commencement address during the commencement ceremony in front of 6,000+ people. Each year one student from the graduating class is chosen to give the student address. I had a great time preparing for and giving the speech! Given the honor that it is to give the speech, I made it in the local paper and on the local TV stations (TV6, ABC10). I was completely overwhelmed with all the support and I thank you all! Many family members and friends were able to join me for my special day and it will always be a day to remember! If you would like to watch my speech, it can be viewed online via iTunes.
The day began with a breakfast with the Board of Trustees, President, and other important University officials. Official photos were taken, candid photos were taken, and lots of mental preparation was done before the ceremony began. The ceremony happened, I gave my speech, and just like that I had walked across the stage (for the second time during the ceremony :) and graduated from Michigan Tech.
After the ceremony a lot more photos were taken and then I went and celebrated with Hannah, Anna, and Bill at a rental house out of town. It was so much fun having my family there and to celebrate this big moment with many of the important people in my life.
After the celebration came the hard work....packing up my stuff! But, many hands make light work, and we had me moved out in no time. The family left town and then I had just a few things to finish up in Houghton before I left the wonderful place I have called home these past four years.
After many emotional goodbyes and remembrances of sentimental places and things, I said my final goodbye to my favorite snowglobe, Houghton, Michigan, and traveled back to Minnesota.
Now I am here in MN preparing for my next adventure. Packing, errands, appointments, and house/apartment hunting have been my agenda for the past week. I leave for DC next Tuesday, May 19th!
I hope this post finds you in good spirits, as spring flirts with summer, pants become shorts, and temperature highs of 47 turn into 74!
While in the midst of accepting the position in DC I was taking my last two finals, giving my last college presentations, and writing my last papers. And, in among doing those things I was also attending to my residents, as they all prepared to leave for the semester. I also found time to spend my evenings with friends that I may not see for a long time. Dinners, banquets, receptions, hangouts, nights out, and late night talks were all had during this final week together. It was a crazy, hectic week, but extremely fun.
And with that, Saturday came around....which meant GRADUATION!On Saturday morning I graduated from Michigan Technological University with a degree in Applied Ecology and Environmental Science, with a concentration in Communicating Natural Resources and a minor in Environmental Studies.
Not only did I graduate, I also had the extreme privilege and honor of giving the student commencement address during the commencement ceremony in front of 6,000+ people. Each year one student from the graduating class is chosen to give the student address. I had a great time preparing for and giving the speech! Given the honor that it is to give the speech, I made it in the local paper and on the local TV stations (TV6, ABC10). I was completely overwhelmed with all the support and I thank you all! Many family members and friends were able to join me for my special day and it will always be a day to remember! If you would like to watch my speech, it can be viewed online via iTunes.
After the ceremony a lot more photos were taken and then I went and celebrated with Hannah, Anna, and Bill at a rental house out of town. It was so much fun having my family there and to celebrate this big moment with many of the important people in my life.
After the celebration came the hard work....packing up my stuff! But, many hands make light work, and we had me moved out in no time. The family left town and then I had just a few things to finish up in Houghton before I left the wonderful place I have called home these past four years.
After many emotional goodbyes and remembrances of sentimental places and things, I said my final goodbye to my favorite snowglobe, Houghton, Michigan, and traveled back to Minnesota.
Now I am here in MN preparing for my next adventure. Packing, errands, appointments, and house/apartment hunting have been my agenda for the past week. I leave for DC next Tuesday, May 19th!
I hope this post finds you in good spirits, as spring flirts with summer, pants become shorts, and temperature highs of 47 turn into 74!
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