The month of May has always been my favorite. You embrace the warm sun because for most of us everything has been in hibernation and it’s not too hot yet. The flowers, trees, weeds and bugs begin their rebirth and the constant sneezing reminds you of the life that is growing. May is the signal for the beginning of summer and the end of a school year.
It’s my favorite month because it’s also my birthday month.
I am 26-years old today and six days ago I graduated from The University of North Texas with my Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a focus in Public Relations. I’m the master at strategic communications. It was the perfect way to kick off the weekend before my birthday. I had too much fun if that’s even possible.
My mother flew out from Florida, whom I haven’t seen in over two years. I forgot how much I missed seeing her. We spent mornings sitting outside sipping coffee and talking about family, the future and everything else in between. I forgot how nice it was to have a face-to-face conversation, instead of only hearing a voice on the other end of the phone.
My in-laws flew out from California as well to see me graduate. The two of them have treated me like a daughter of their own since the moment I met them years ago. I’m lucky. The weekend was already a hit and how could it get any better?
If walking across the stage was my high for the night I would’ve been satisfied. It doesn’t get any better hearing your name called as a recipient of a degree. I didn’t trip as I walked across the stage to received my diploma, but with so many eyes watching I was bound to do something Shannon like. I lost my graduation cap midway across the stage after I tried to give a hug to a professor. Oops.
When the ceremony ended and I found my family, my husband had a bigger surprise in store and everyone was in on it.
YES, WE WERE ALL GOING TO THE DAVE MATTHEW’S CONCERT IN DALLAS. No matter what state I’ve lived in Matt and I have always made it to the Dave concert every year. I hadn’t been to a concert with my mom for several years and it was the first Dave experience for in the in-laws. Family booze and good music, that’s all you need in life.
I am 26-years-old today and six days ago I graduated from college. The first three years of my higher education journey began in Jacksonville, Florida. I was working full-time as a waitress paying my way through junior college, slowly. In those days I thought I would be a elementary school teacher. I wanted to me somebody’s Miss. Honey.
Yesterday I got the best present I could’ve ever received. I was offered a job doing media relations. The best part? I will be PAID to do it, the biggest fear every graduate has — will I ever be paid to do anything? Life for me and my little family has changed so much in the past five years. It’s insane to think about where I’ll be in another five.
The month of May has been a month of growth and learning. I grew a year older today but I’ve jumped mentally and emotionally in age as well. I kept my mantra “why not me” singing in the back of my head and its pushed me into being a better professional. A year ago I wouldn’t of wanted to do half of the social interactions, business meetings or networking opportunities the University presented. The attitude change and confidence boost I gave myself made a worlds difference.
I’m ready to dive into the deep end of adulthood and play with the big kids in careers. This next chapter in life may be the scariest one yet, but no matter how scared shitless I may or may not be I’m ready.
Hello world, I’m ready to kick some professional ass.
Ramblin Randol 