the big day

i had to get up at the crack of dawn, but somehow, i actually made it to the school relatively on time. i met up with friends, and we stood around waiting for the next hour or so. the ceremony itself was pretty boring, and really long. the PhDs get their degrees at the very end, and by the time it was our turn, i was surprised there were still people there! fortunately, i didn't fall as i walked across the stage (whew!), although i did walk off the stage the wrong way (oh well).

after the ceremony i rushed off to the bathroom (2 hours is a long time without a bathroom break!), and planned to meet my family just down a short set of stairs outside the bathroom. i walked to the staircase, and saw my family waiting below. "i get to make an entrance!" i said. and the words had barely left my mouth when i lost my balance, and started to trip down the stairs. fortunately, i was able to grab the handrail and keep myself from tumbling all the way down (what a sight that would have been!). i stood back up, announced that i was okay, and started laughing my butt off. and everyone below joined me.

the hawkins family

we took some photographs outside (i felt like a target of the papparazzi!), and headed inside for the SBOS luncheon and party. as soon as i walked in, four people came up to me saying, "they've been looking for you!" apparently, the dean had been waiting to make his statement (and present me with my award) while we were outside taking 350 pictures. oh well! the dean, my advisor, and one of my professors all said wonderful things about me and my work, and i accepted my award, and thanked my family and friends. i had actually prepared a little statement, but by the time i got the microphone, we had all been standing around awhile, so i scrapped it and just said a quick thanks to everyone who helped me reach my goals. i am so incredibly blessed to receive the award (for the best psychology dissertation this year), and genuinely can't believe that i was selected. i am still in shock!

we stayed a while longer at the SBOS party, enjoying the cake, snacks, and generally celebrating.

the boyfriend - wouldn't have made it without him!

my favorite sister - so glad she could celebrate with me!