#byugrad

[theravenchilde]

grad day morning Starbucks calling, oh yeah yeah yeah yeah........ #byugrad (at BYU Smith Fieldhouse)

[mor01035]

Loved being able to share this day with you! @lauraloumorris #byu #byugrad @byualumni https://www.instagram.com/p/B_f32IABI-P/?igshid=1xxasa6by38sj

[lady0fithilien]

So I did a thing this weekend 😁 So incredibly grateful to all those who have helped me get here ❤️ #graduation#classof2019#byugrad#onlytook6years#ivecomesofar#grateful #family#purplelipstick (at Provo, Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw24OlzgCRy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nsh75unpse1v

[ameliaruthart]

Fun fact: I (have not yet) graduated! I’ll officially get my diploma in June, post-study-abroad, but this weekend I walked across the stage, was handed an empty diploma cover, and flipped my tassel. I’ll be forever grateful for the amazing, and occasionally very frustrating, experiences I had at BYU. But more importantly, I’ve been made better by my education, the faculty I was blessed to work so closely with, and the best friends I’ve made, who’s friendship, empathy, and kindness have carried me through some of my hardest days. Thank you to my professors, friends, roommates, and family who have made it all possible. (Side note, graduation robes do turn you into a wizard.) . . . #byugrad #byualumni #byuillustration #byudesign #cfac #graduate #graduated #university #college #diploma https://www.instagram.com/p/BwzlixWFwkm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=r4ptzcrxrrzj

[sonofafinch]

It’s Done

Three years ago, I had just been refused re-admission to Brigham Young University (BYU), but I was determined to return and finish what I had started more than a decade earlier. My wife and I were in the process of selling our home, much of our belongings, and my truck, in preparation for moving to Utah. Despite my determination, I don’t think I ever considered being where I am now.

I was always fixed on the next step; just get into BYU and take one class after another. The thought of graduation did propel me, but I never really considered how I’d feel or what I’d do once I graduated.

In fact, I was so caught up in the immediate experience, that I often lost sight of the bigger picture. There were times I was lonely and disheartened as a thirty-something family man among students nearly half my age. They could spend more time in the lab, exert themselves more, and they were often smarter than me. It was definitely humbling.

I started out pursuing my computer science degree due to the future job and salary prospects. However, I found out along the way I really enjoy programming. My creativity drew me to the animation emphasis program, and I was blessed to have been accepted. Again, though, I was humbled by the heights of passion and talent of those I worked with. It’s a miracle what the animation students at BYU are accomplishing. Having witnessed it firsthand, that’s the only explanation I have for what they do.

I’ve been working year-round for the last 2-1/2 years, both because I’m not getting any younger, and because this is a difficult lifestyle for my family. They’re ready to move on. I think I am too, but there’s so much I’m going to miss. BYU is a special place. I’m sad I won’t be able to feel the spirit there on a regular basis. I was moved intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually almost daily. I love BYU. After abandoning my degree as a newly-wed, I was secretly upset that I wouldn’t be able to call myself an alumni of BYU. Being connected to it now is priceless. These last few years have been amazing. BYU will always be a part of me.

[sonofafinch]

BYU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences April 2018 Convocation Exercises

BYU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Convocation Exercises held April 27, 2018.

I can’t believe it’s over.

[herrtenma]

On my way back to Provo for #convocation after doing a session in the #saltlaketemple with my family! #byu #byulife #byugrad

[sonofafinch]

Commencement was chaotic, but worth it. I enjoyed the experience, the speakers, and the company. I tried not to be too distracted with taking pictures or worrying about what might have gone better, so that I could be present in each moment.