M.Ed 2013...finally

Michelle E. Daymon, M.Ed.

It's a good look.

I have been waiting two years to be able to put those letters after my name. And now...I officially can.

About to cross the stage. Thanks to Allie for the picture!

I have a master's degree. It's still sinking in that I did it. That I have it. That those letters I have sought for two years now are finally mine to have. For the rest of my life (or until I get a Ph.D) I will be able to have those letters after my name, officially.

To everyone who has stood by me while I've been going through grad school...family, friends (old and new), colleagues, and mentors...thank you. Your support and constant reassurance that I could do this got me through these past two years. You all kept believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. You kept me going when I felt like I couldn't do it, so I owe a lot of this degree to all of you. Thank you for pushing me to be better than I thought I could be and for helping me to realize that I am the amazing person you all tell me I am.

Yesterday seems so surreal in my head. The same thing happened when I graduated from undergrad. I remember walking up to the stage. I remember handing the guy the card to read my name...but once my card was read and I began walking, it becomes a blur. I shook the hand of the dean...got the diploma portfolio and walked down the ramp. I know I did these things because I ended up back in my seat. But it's a blur.

A very happy blur.

My paper plate award from the staff. I laughed SO hard when I saw it :)

I got back to the office this morning and found that my staff had gotten me a gift card to a really nice restaurant in town. I never expected anything from them and it makes me see exactly how much I have grown as a professional and supervisor this semester. I have a wonderful staff, and yesterday while we watched Les Mis in the office during closing, I had a realization that this year has been one of the best years of my life.

There's a song by The Mountain Goats called "This Year" and in it there is a line that gets repeated over and over..."I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me." There have been moments this year where I've contemplated giving up, packing up, and going home. But I knew that if I did that...that would be it. So I kept going. And with that line in my head...I pushed through.

I made it. I have a degree to prove it.

These past two years have changed my life forever.