Going, going...

Heaven only knows how and what I did to end up where I sat today. When my older sister graduated, I still hear trailing echoes of "Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude" as the speaker literally went through each name and, if any, their honors. It was a dreadful couple of hours until I realized the meaning of these recognition, years later when I started college. 

Last spring, I remember doing research on the qualifications and academic requirements for these honors and I thought to myself, "This is feasible, why not try to end the college career with a bang?" Henceforth, I added this to my notorious college bucket list, re-calculating the classes and credits and grades I have and needed to reserve my spot in the Baccalaureate Convocation for Graduates with Honors. Words of advice? You know what you want out of your education, or have a sense of it. People succeed in a myriad of ways and I was enlightened and inspired during this senior year in college: filmmakers, directors, photographers, music producers, designers etc. striving from every angle and I thought, "I am the lost sheep in this generation fueled by creativity and passion." Grades count, I would be the first to advocate this, but in our 20s so do interests, hobbies and passion. In fact, those are the primary roots of lifelong success and happiness. Some actually like to work their asses off for that Summa Cum Laude whereas others are comfortable being an average student whilst focusing their energy on things that matter more than open books and seminars.

Whether the degree is for the money, the job, the fame and cars or simply because you want to get out as soon as your last undergrad final, whatever you want, you will get there by your own doings. I don't know how or when but it's the great anticipation, and you will have no one else to point fingers to but yourself. Make sure you are happy with the person you have molded yourself into, flaws and all.

"I don't know what I'm doing. And it's the not knowing that makes it interesting." -Phillip Glass

J-2: Baccalaureate Convocation with my half-pimped cap