A Milestone (Graduate 2017)

I'll begin my blog with this poem, which inspires my daughter Hazel's journey in reaching her dream:

Follow Your Dream

By: Amanda Bradley

Follow your dream. 

Take one step at a time and don't settle for less, 

Just continue to climb. 

Follow your dream. 

If you stumble, don't stop and lose sight of your goal.

Press to the top. 

For only on top can we see the whole view, 

Can we see what we've done and what we can do; 

Can we then have the vision to seek something new, 

Press on. 

Follow your dream.

How time flies! I can't believe that it's been four years since we threw a college graduation party for my daughter, Hazel. After years of hard work and sacrifices, she finally graduated from college. We are so proud of her for this milestone; passing the NCLEX and finally being hired in the Swedish Medical Center as a nurse. It came in like a blur, and it kind of happened all at once. It's an indescribable emotion for me; I'm overjoyed that she graduated, but at the same time, I am a bit sad that she will be moving out to be independent. I guess it's hard to let go; similar to a bird learning to fly on her own and spreading her wings.

Looking at her now, we as parents know that we did our job in guiding her to achieve her goals. It's a big accomplishment for us, too. Last year, she marched on the Husky Stadium, graduating with a Public Health degree. Then one more year later, she finished the nursing program last August. It was a small ceremony exclusively for the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) department.

In the following week, we celebrated the event with a big party at home with family and friends. It took a lot of preparations, but it was worth it. We had fun and everyone had a good time. The party was held in our backyard with a rustic theme, perfect for a sunny and warm summer.

It took me a long time to think of a present for my daughter. I wanted her to have something that she will always treasure and could be shown to her kids someday. As a graduation present I made her a memory book. It contains pictures from when she was born up to the present. It includes happy memories, special occasions, and important events in her life. Basically, it summarizes Hazel's life journey.

We set up a photo booth where guests could take a picture using a polaroid camera. Afterward the picture was stuck to the book, and the guests wrote messages to the graduate. Also, as a party favor, flower seed packets were bought and stuck to sticks and were put inside a little wagon. Hazel liked the present; it's inexpensive but also personalized, and it's something that I had put a lot of effort and thought into.

Overall I believe that the graduation party was a success, and I wish for a wonderful and successful life for my daughter.