C'est Love Vie

I know it might seem silly because it’s an accomplishment a lot of people experience, but this seems slightly more important to me than in the past. You see, I’ve never felt like I actually put forth the effort to get something better for myself before. I got my GED in 2002, and even though it says it’s a diploma, I never really felt like it was worth anything to anyone. I always figured that most people view GEDs as a lazy man’s way out or someone too “stupid” to graduate traditionally and honestly, when I was slacking off in High School because I thought being with friends was much more important, I wasn’t taking into consideration the consequences at ALL! I never pictured myself receiving a diploma or anything. I lived and still live my life one day at a time. I don’t plan for things much, and I’ve found that it generally helps me maintain a positive outlook and attitude.

Anyway, I’ve also received 2 certificates already which technically constitutes graduation, but I wanted the bigger prize. Certificates were nice and all, but a degree would be better and I may not seem it, but I’m actually fairly competitive, especially if I’m confident I can win. In this case I knew it’d just take a bit more time and I could achieve it just the same.

I’m not comparing myself to other people graduating today, because I’m sure a lot of them have just as much, if not more to be proud of — maybe they’re the first generation in their family to be graduating, maybe they put their all into their education and are achieving valedictorian status today or Magna cum-laude or whatever, or maybe they’re getting their bachelors or masters or doctorate, or maybe they played role of mom to four kids and wife with a full time job and still found time to get a decent GPA…that’s incredible! I can’t measure up to those accomplishments! I’m not trying to. But personally, this is my greatest educational accomplishment yet!

For me, this adventure will never be over. I’m a dreamer. I am an artist and a scientist and an entrepreneur. I still have so many paths I’m excited to follow — or not, but I’m NEVER going to stop dreaming about it. It’s too important to me. I LOVE life. I love waking up to options. I love my freedom! (Thank you to the service men and women who helped make that possible, btw)

This has been a fantastic voyage and it doesn’t end here and I just want to thank some people who helped me through it and offered encouraging thoughts and words. You’re all awesome and I love you and though I could have done it without you (just being honest) I wouldn’t have wanted to. Thanks guys!

Mom, Gregg, Dad, Bruce, Darnele, Steph, Tiffany, Amanda, Eric, Lorraine, Jenna, ALL my friends and family!

Kids - follow your dreams! It’s definitely a cliché, but it’s also definitely true. You will never be disappointed if your heart was in it.

Love, Valerie xo