Commencement

Yesterday I spent the day down at BYU. For the last two Augusts and Aprils I have had the chance to help with the Commencement processional at graduation. (Brian has helped with graduation for about five years, since he started working in the Registrar's office, and one year I asked if I could volunteer. They always need help with the lines of graduates and getting them seated in the Marriott center.) In the morning we do a walk through in the Marriott center and put the commencement programs under the graduates' seats. It is always fun to be there when it is so empty, and often we overhear some of the speeches that will be given at graduation. After lunch, we see students as they line up with their friends and classmates. It really is a fun day, celebrating students who have worked so hard to meet the goals they have set. It is an exciting time on campus.

Every time I have helped at graduation, I have looked at the cap and gown clad students and I have felt a little twinge of regret for not "walking" in my own graduation, but yesterday I had a little insight about myself. I thought back to April 2001. I had completed my graduation requirements, but I had also just brought a little tiny (still less than five pounds) miracle home after 3 weeks and two days in the NICU. Truthfully graduation was one of the furthest things from my mind. I had my baby and she was healthy and growing and I was her mom.

And yesterday I was reminded that graduation is about far more than receiving a diploma, or about finishing classes that would help me get a job. Graduation is celebrating education; learning principles and skills that would make me a better mother, a better wife, a better person. My college education has helped me to become a better servant of the Lord.

BYU is in my blood. I love to be on campus. It is such a beautiful place and there is a very special feeling there. So much has changed since I was a student, but the campus still holds so many memories. I am grateful that I was able to attend BYU for my years in college, and I am grateful that we still have a connection to the university.