In May of 2010, I proudly accepted my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Business Management from Lakeland College. Being the first person in my immediate family to earn a four-year degree and graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, not only was my family extremely proud of me, but I was truly proud of myself as well. Taking three classes per semester year round, I went to school in the evenings at the Fox Cities Neenah Center and worked during the day. Even though I didn't go to school at the main campus, I am so happy that I decided to attend the exciting events on campus during graduation weekend. I know that many people from the Kellett Centers debate about whether or not to go to the ceremony - DO IT! I would actually recommend going to all of the events offered. We all live busy lives, and making time for school isn't always easy. We give up a lot to get through it - to get homework done, to study, to go to classes, etc. Take the opportunity to go to the graduation weekend events and enjoy what you have earned.

During graduation weekend, I remember admiring the beauty of the campus buildings and the landscaping. Everything seemed so surreal! Taking a deep breath, I realized I was finally done with school! It was a very exciting and emotional time for me. It's hard to explain how the weekend has an effect on you, but I sure am glad that I went. I hope you do, too,  so that you get to experience the same feelings that I did - feelings of success and accomplishment - something that you earned and that no one can ever take away from you.

In addition to having an unforgettable time at the graduation festivities, I learned a lot at Lakeland - things about Finance, Marketing, Economics...but there is one important life lesson that I learned during my time at Lakeland that I hope to never lose sight of. I learned that life is busy, but you are only as busy as you choose to be. Make time for the things that are important to you, and stay focused on your goals. Since graduation last year, I have accepted a one year term as a Student Representative on the LCAA Board; went on a backpacking, rock climbing and repelling, and wilderness survival trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains; began volunteering at the Christine Anne Center and at Habitat for Humanity; started a new job at Kimberly-Clark; and purchased my very first home. I am excited to see what my future holds and am determined to make time for the important things in life and for achieving my goals! Going to college and graduating is a choice that we make because it is something that is important to us. After you graduate, don't forget about things that are important to you, and live life to the fullest! :)