The past 4 years of hard work and determination have finally paid off for Miguel. It is hard to believe that 4 years have already come and gone. When we look back it feels just like yesterday he was applying to UNC, FINALLY getting the call that he was accepted, getting adjusted to the intense schedule and life of a dental student, working on his first patient and getting started on his required procedures, and now finishing it all and receiving his diploma. I am so very proud and have been referring to him as Dr. Gonzalez ALL DAY LONG!
Yesterday was a VERY busy day. Our plan was to leave the house by no later than 7am in order to get to Chapel Hill in time to beat traffic. However, it all started around 4 am for me. Susanna woke up for one of her night time feedings but she decided not to go back to sleep afterwards so after she finished eating and I put her back in the crib she never really got settled. I was able to get back in bed but kept listening to her noises over the monitor. Before I knew it my alarm was going off at 5:30 and she was screaming at the same time. After much rushing around both Miguel and I were able to get dressed and we were on the road at 7:15... not too bad! We arrived in Chapel Hill and met up with my dad and Joey who were both attending the morning ceremony with us. With Joey's knowledge of the UNC campus we were able to find a great parking spot quickly. However as soon as we had gathered up all the required baby essentials and our many bags, Miss Susanna pooped her pants!!! Miguel changed her diaper in the back of the car wearing his full regalia. It was a GREAT funny start to our day!
The morning ceremony was VERY rainy and thankfully short as well. Miguel and only one other classmate attended. It was perfect though bc Miguel and Chessica have become close friends over the past 4 years, always sitting together during class at school, and they will always remember their final time sitting next to each other at graduation!
After the ceremony we went to Miguel's parents house for lunch and with a break in the rain took some family pics.
The Dental School ceremony started at 6pm and prior to this was a reception at the dental school building. Miguel and I attended and got to walk around the dental school one last time! I even had my first experience changing Susanna's diaper in a public bathroom, soo fun.
The graduation ceremony took place at Memorial Hall on the UNC campus and it was wonderful. All the students received their diploma and were hooded as well. The doctoral color for dentistry is Lilac... which you may notice matched my dress very well! It was such a proud, emotional moment when Miguel walked across the stage and received his hood and diploma. Afterwards Miguel told me that it all went so fast he barely remembered the moment and was happy I videotaped it all. We have already watched the video today!
Joey was in charge of photography all day and did a great job!! My dad was in charge of keeping Susanna quiet during the ceremony and he tells me today that his arm and wrist hurts from the constant patting and rubbing on her back to keep her happy. I am so happy they were both with us all day to celebrate and be a part of such a special day. My mom was with us too as it was Mothers Day as well! My mom was always so proud of Miguel and his schooling. She would tell him she was going to take some classes in order to be able to walk at graduation with him. I know we all could feel her watching down and sharing in the day with us!
2 comments:
Congratulations Miguel!! I bet you're happy to have this behind you.
I am so happy for you Miguel. What an accomplishment. I know you are relieved that all of your years of hard work have paid off! Congratulations!!
Post a Comment