Last week, Tuesday August 18th at 10:25 a.m., I finished my last paper of my last class for my masters program in Christian Counseling. I thought when I finished I would feel instant relief. I didn't. It did feel amazing to hang out with my friends on Tuesday night without stress but I still didn't feel how I imagined it would. Tuesday night, nothing. Wednesday morning, nothing. Wednesday night, nothing. I knew that it would "hit me" eventually but I was beginning to wonder when it would. Thursday morning, as I was driving to work, I saw a school aged girl waiting for the bus. Seeing her reminded me that I rode the bus when I was in Elementary school. That's when it hit me: "I will not be going to school ANYMORE!" Instantly my tears began to roll. I couldn't believe I was done. I began to reflect on the past 24 years. I can recall sneaking onto the bookshelves to lie down while my mom went to "meet the teacher" in 1986. I remembered my third grade teacher kissing my cheek because I was upset I didn't finish my assignment on time. Despite all the diplomas, I still count winning "Accelerated Reader of the whole school" in the 5th grade my biggest achievement.
I also thought I would be very scared when I finished but I am not. I am welcoming the next steps of my life as a much needed change of pace. I am getting excited about the next things that God has for my life.
