The world is now (officially) my campus

BYU Graduation 2009!!

It's official! I am finally a college graduate! It has taken me six years, but it has been accomplished. Check.

I didn't really think about what a major accomplishment this was until I stood in the Marriott Center with 6,000 other graduates. Now I realize that this was quite the feat! (cue pat on the back).

Here are some of the highlights:

THURSDAY

The "Y" and I...it was beautiful later that night when it was all lit up in honor of graduation. tear.

Here I am about to walk up to the Marriott Center. Random commentary, but enjoy!



The Marriott Center was packed full of peeps supporting the grads!


Three General Apostles attended! Elders Nelson and Christopherson and President Uchtdorf. Can you find them??


My DC roomies and I before the ceremony began


Proud college graduate

The DC roommates and I plus the token boy, Jared. He was one of our friends in DC.


Mama Baer and Baby Baer...I am so cheesy. Couldn't have done it without ya mommy!


FRIDAY

I was part of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. This doesn't mean much to any of you, however, I only say this because it's the biggest college at BYU. Therefore, it was the longest graduation ceremony with the most names read = kind of boring. Not the talk part, just the reading of the names.

Before we went in...

Filing into the Marriott. Where's Susie? Can you find me?


Where's the apostle? Can you find him?


Matt Holland spoke at my graduation. He is the son of Elder Holland and is incredibly well-spoken.


My fan club that came to support me. My nieces Megan and Anna, mom, Julie and Chrissie who is probably taking the picture. Thanks for coming!


In line to receive my diploma. I waved to Chrissie and Megan


Here's a video of my name being called. You will notice that there is no applause (they had to save time and my cheering section was just too small). So, I will invite you to applaud as you hear my name. I am sure I will feel those hands clapping in my heart.

Oh and I did get to shake Elder Christopherson's hand as I walked by! That makes 2 General Authorities that I have shaken hands with....



Right after receiving my diploma...it's in a white envelope so it doesn't look too snazzy.


Here I am again...

SILLY picture with the sisters plus Anna! Missed you Kath.


Bow chicka bow wow (that's for you, Erin)...Sexy college grad. My dress is really cute but you don't really see it in the picture.


The college grad with 12/23 nieces and nephews. We had a little family shin-dig after graduation. Just had to get some pics with these darling human specimens.


Take 2...actually we took about 8 pictures. I hope that I inspired these kiddos to graduate from college in the future.


Bethany used her agency and decided she didn't want to be in the big group picture, so later she felt sad about her choice and we had one together, just the two of us.


Now, reality truly begins. Bring on the real world. Peace.