In all honesty, I've been dreading this post. It is the last one for
Hannah's College Adventures. I will continue to blog but never again in
Hannah's College Adventures. It's funny to think that this started as a boring
Saturday afternoon because it's turned into something I could have never
imagined way back then.
I have graduated from Elmhurst College with a B.A. in Communication. I think
I surprised everyone with how smooth everything went. I had so much fun surprising you all. I was on
a mission! I think when I joined Phi Mu and got involved in Student Government,
everyone got the picture that I regarded myself as a normal student. In my
eyes, I will always be a normal person...I'm just out to set the world on fire!
I think the world got hit with the first flame on graduation day.
I woke up to a familiar sight which was Kim (she needs no introduction after
four years) ready to feed me breakfast and get me ready. I put on a white and
blue polka dotted dress. We put my graduation gown on. Kim had to take a minute
to compose herself after we put my cap and gown on. For Kim, I think it was a
moment that solidified our relationship. We had spent four years talking about
this day and it was very much here. I hugged Kim good-bye and she went to grab seats
for graduation. My parents had not seen me yet which I kind of liked. Let me
explain. My family has to help me get dressed for any occasion including formal
ones. While I don't particularly mind this, I did really want to wow them on
graduation day. Roger, who works in Student Affairs and I had a pact since
freshmen year. He would walk me to my graduation ceremony.
Roger was outside of my residence hall at 8:25. We greeted each other with a
long hug. We started the much anticipated walk and we talked about my journey
at Elmhurst College. He hugged me good-bye. I met Jessica and Gina who
were my escorts. I met them in the chapel for the Baccalaureate which is the
ceremony before the graduation ceremony. Let me explain why I have
escorts. When we left the chapel, the other students walked down stairs to the
lawn. Obviously, I couldn't do that. So, when the school and I discussed this
problem, the conclusion was that I had to go through the student union to get
to the lawn. We all agreed that I should not walk alone. I had the idea of
having two alumni come back to be my escorts. One of my escorts was Gina; she
was my writing tutor for three years and now is a tremendous friend. The other
escort was Jessica. This woman is Dr. Sullivan-Morgan's daughter and was my
Orientation Student Leader. Dr. Sullivan-Morgan or Deatra as I call her after
three years of friendship is a one of my personal heroes. She has always seen
my potential. I had to honor Dr. Sullivan-Morgan and this way was the best way
I could think of. Jessica has had always done extraordinary things for me like her
mother. I thought long and hard about whom was best and these two women always
went above and beyond for me. They were there to cue me when to leave the chapel;
they fixed my stole, cords, and pins so I felt good all day. I was so grateful
for them because on that day, I was so enamored with the pomp and circumstance
(no pun intended), I couldn't focus on making the day go smoothly. They were
able to think about the next step. I have to give kudos to Dean Tipton and Dean
Sullivan. They did give me a private rehearsal the night before graduation
leaving me calm and poised on that day.
Emily, a friend of mine I made at orientation was sitting next to me at
graduation. We were exchanging glances expressing the uncomfortable heat. When
the row behind us got up to go, I turned my chair on. "Not yet" Emily
said. I was a little excited. The marshals who were in my leadership honor
society stood near me and then I got the go ahead. Dean Sullivan followed
behind me because she was going to help me with my diploma. I slowly made my
way up the ramp. After that, everything was a blur. I heard my name called: Hannah
Marie Thompson. I drove a little on stage, I hugged Dean Tipton then I realize
everyone is applauding. There is ongoing applause. I shake another hand then
it's time to receive my diploma from President Ray. After I shake Dr. Ray's
hand, I turn and face the audience. The applause escalates as I face the
audience and it kept going until I was off the stage. I could not even fathom
what had just happened. I was awestricken. I still haven't fully processed that
moment. I need to take a moment to thank Elmhurst College for that incredible memory.
It leaves me speechless and not many things have the extraordinary power to do
that. If that wasn't enough, I did get to lead the entire class through
the honor guard. The honor guard is where all our professors line up and
congratulate you as you walk through the two lines they form. I saw many
professors that I respected and I was able to shake their hands.
The next day was my graduation party! I had so many people I love in my
house which is the greatest feeling ever. We did have a surprise guest.
Katherine, my friend from Camp Courage came. My mom didn't know. My dad didn't
know. I didn't know. It was the best surprise anybody could ever give me! It
took a good twenty minutes to set in. My parents toasted me which was
wonderful. I couldn't ask for more.
I am so grateful for all the people in my life. This blog is what it is
because of you. I was just doing it for fun. It was you who made me realize the
potential it had. Needless to say, I hope I have done the best job that I could
with every post. This blog has served as a moral compass, inspired me to do
more, and done multiple things that I cannot put into words. I've loved being
on a journey with what was initially all the people back home, then a few
Elmhurst College staff members, then an entire sorority, and now a huge community.
You have supported me through the ups and downs of college life.
I can't thank you enough for reading and always encouraging me. I'm very
humbled that you would take time out of your day to hear what I have to say. I
don't know what I did to deserve it. I really don't. The blog has been a
constant rock throughout my college life. No matter how good or bad it got, I
always could say "Well, it'll make a good blog story".
Next time I write to you I will have created a brand new blog. It will have
a new title and of course, new stories! I will be in an apartment…just think of
the stories! We will go on to a brand new chapter. I can't wait to start living
it but for now, I am basking in graduation bliss.
Love,
Hannah Marie Thompson
Elmhurst College '12
