When I began my journey in August/2010, I wasn’t sure if I would ever really graduate. Have you ever wanted something so badly that you thought it would never happen? Well that was me. My life (like probably many other people) hasn’t been smooth. I’ve been through rough times these past twenty years but proud to say that I am who I am today because of it. I don’t dwell on all that negative junk because it’s just too depressing. I decided to quit listening to untruths spoken about me. Jesus knows my heart and what I stand for and once I let that go my life has been so successful.
I want to take a few minutes to thank my husband, Emory. We married over 3 years ago and I finally know what it’s like to truly be loved by another human being. He loves me good days, bad days and PMS days (you know that’s true love). He has shown me consistency and stability in my life which is something I greatly needed. He supported my decision to quit my successful career to follow a dream. I love this man and feel so blessed to be his wife.
On Saturday I had one of the best experiences in my entire life. I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the College of Business, and it is one of the greatest places to get an education in the United States! Everyone there from my adviser to the professors truly cared about my education and I am so grateful to them. They totally rock!
There were so many people graduating but I want everyone to know something about the folks I had the privilege to graduate beside. These young adults embraced me and even became my friends. I wasn’t alone on my row but surrounded with excited, full of life, and bright people. See, many of them made sure that I wasn’t alone. There were exchanges of text messages and phone calls to see where I was and to meet at designated places. They got it. They knew how important it was for me to graduate and made my experience even better. Young people get slammed for their irresponsibility, laziness, etc. nowadays, but I’m here to tell you there wasn’t anything like that displayed on Saturday. I saw only kindness and compassion shown to me and those young women, Kara, Ashley, Jenelle, Suzanne and Mary, I will always remember how special you made that day for me! I love you all!
Here are some pictures from Saturday. Hope you enjoy!
Mary and Kathy 
Suzanne and Kathy Emory and Kathy
I hope everyone has a blessed day!
P.S.
For all you crocheters, yes I have began working on the pattern for my Summer Beach Hat!
Many Congratulations to you, Kathy!!!! My son is a professor there 🙂
Thanks Wendy! Wow! Small world. Is he in the College of Business?
Congratulations! Awesome Accomplishment!!!!
Thanks Candy!
I am sooooo proud of you Kathy!!! I know the negativity you had to endure and if anybody deserves happiness and success it is definitely you!!! Congrats again!
Thank you Brandy. It means a lot coming from you. I think it was the negativity that was part of the driving force behind me being determined to succeed. I appreciate you chickie!
Congratulations Kathy.it must be a real weight off your shoulders not having to think about study and exams for a while.
Most definitely!
Reblogged this on kathy lashley and commented:
I wrote this blog on my ELK Studio page but wanted to share it with you!!!
It takes a lot of hard work to do what you have done. Great job, my friend. Hard times just make you stronger, but you already know that. I wish you a prosporous and happy life.
Can’t wait for the summer hat pattern. Good luck.
Thanks Kathryn and I embrace those moments that made me who I am today. Wouldn’t want to repeat it but not filled with regrets either.
I’ve been working on the pattern for the last few days with much success. Hope to done in next couple of weeks to send off for testing!!
So glad you are here to “Live a Life of Freedom” with me!
Kathy
CONGRATULATIONS!! CONGRATULATIONS!! What a wonderful achievement.
Thank you Judith! Definitely made some great memories to take with me forever! I appreciate the encouraging words…
Kathy
Kathy, I am so happy for you! We are the same age and I know how hard it must have been to get to this point in your dream! I have often thought of going back to school and getting my degree, you are an inspiration! Looking forward to your hat pattern too!
Thank you so much! It was a scary decision but now that I’m done, well……there aren’t enough words to express how glad I am that I decided to take that jump. I believe this life “ain’t no dress rehearsal”, so we must make every moment count! Good luck to you in your future endeavors whether it being going back to school or crocheting fabulous pieces of art!
Kathy