"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

"Graduation is the beginning of knowing who you are, what you are, why you are, and always knowing where you are going."

When I think back to my high school graduation, I can remember thinking to myself wow in just a few months I will be off to College and the future is in my hands.  College was a big word that scared me but was an open door to experience the world and get a quick taste of what life had to offer me!  I got accepted to UNCW and without a doubt chose to receive my education close by the beach.  I heard if you live close to the beach you learn better (Ok I made that up but I am confident it is true).  I chose UNCW not because it is close by the beach although that is a perk, not because it was close enough to home that if I needed to come home I could, but I chose UNCW because it gave me this feeling of comfort, this feeling of warmth and growth, a feeling of inspiration and encouragement, a feeling of confidence, and most importantly instantly felt like my "home away from home".  UNCWonderful as someone described UNCW is exactly what this university is.  Wonderful what a way to describe a place where you can grow, learn about yourself, make life-long friendships, connect and network with professionals, explore your inner-self, take risks, get involved, study abroad, give back to the community, experience the wonderful city of Wilmington, and receive an education that will take you so far in life!

As I look back now to my first day at UNCW, I had no clue what this chapter would be titled and how it would end but I can say that I am ready to turn the page and start reading the next chapter.  My time here at UNCW is coming to end on Saturday at 9:30 AM.  I will walk across that stage and will become a college graduate, something I have dreamed of doing and didn't know it would get here so quick.  I have been involved with numerous organizations, volunteered at Holly Tree Elementary school, worked as an Involvement Specialist at CAIC, worked as a Peer Mentor for freshmen, was the winner of an awesome dance competition "Hawk It Out", was a part of the Dance Company, and even competed for the ultimate title of Miss Greater Wilmington ( a scholarship pageant through the Miss America Program).  As I look back to all of the different pieces of my life I am so blessed to have been  a small part of so many big things!  They each have shaped me into a better, well-rounded individual and have given me a feeling of community and something I can look back on years from now and know that I left my footprints in the sand here!  Even though the waves of the ocean eventually wash the footprints away I know that they are implemented in the sand and will always have a place in my heart.  The treasures I have discovered here are like seashells in the sand, sometimes you find cracked or broken seashells but when you find those perfect ones they are the ones you hold onto and treasure for life!

As I share my Graduation day with so many friends and family Saturday, I know that this not an ending, maybe an ending to this chapter but the start of a new chapter that I hope to continue to share with others!  Although this next step in my life is scary and the world is such a big, scary place I know that with God by my side anything is possible.  The strength that I have because of him is so powerful and keeps me going every day.  My ultimate goal in life is to glorify God and share his love with everyone!

Good luck class of 2011 and start living your life :)