Hello Passion, Battle, and Curves,
Today would of been the day I walked across the stage, to hear my name and receive my Master of social work degree with a certification in mental health and a substance abuse certification. If anyone would of asked me a year ago if I would of finished school this time around. I would of said no! I was not in a good place mentally. This was my third attempt to finish my Masters degree, and with all the chaos that was happening in my life, I started thinking maybe the fourth time would be a charm.
This may sound crazy, I still wasn’t ready to go back to school but God was ready for me to start. He knew what was best and I slowly started understanding why I needed to finish this degree this time around. There were so many lessons I learned about others and myself during this journey. Completing this degree helped me healed, check off, and defeat alot of thoughts I had towards my self, and of course what others thought about me.
Although, I am unable to walk across the stage today, there would be a postponed graduation date for some day this year. And even though were in quarantine I am going to have a small celebration with my immediate family this weekend anyway. I just can’t believe it y’all, I finished, I finished something I started. It feel so good to say those words. I am grateful for every negative thing I had to endure these last two years because it really helped build up some strength in me I never knew I had.
I wanted to give up so many times, but I didn’t. I lost my dad smack in the middle of my finals but I didn’t quit. I heard my dad words say “you got this baby girl, keep going”.
This degree is for you dad, for my husband, my kids, my fur babies, my mom, brother, sisters, goddaughter, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. A big thank you and praise to my Abba Father, Lord I can’t thank you enough for getting me through this journey. You have carried me through many of nights, tears, anger, and sorrow to finish this degree on time. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to whisper encouraging words, letting me know I’m not alone, and preparing me for such a time as this. I hope to continue to make you proud, and walk in the purpose/ plan you have for me.
Thank you to my husband IJ, the man who helped with the kids, cooked dinner, offer his help with my school work, rubbed my feet and back, keep encouraging me, loving me on my extreme attitude days, wiped my tears, cooked special breakfast with a little note for me, and taking my pictures to make sure I still looked HAWT. Love you babe a millions times over.
Graduation
is here,
Hats off
Model : April Shari @aprilshari www.aprilshari.com
Photographer : Ivory Jackson @lucivoryphotography www.lucivory.com
Cap and gown : Jostensinc
Dress: @Forever21plus
Shoes : @shoedazzle www.shoedazzle.com
Location: VIZCAYA VILLA, 839 STAMPER RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 28303910-459-4279 INFO@VIZCAYAVILLA.COM
