Monday, November 22, 2010

I'm Thankful for... (Day 1)

my education.
There isn't a day that passes without me being consciously aware of how much my education from Marshall University has benefited my life.  I took a huge leap of faith when I moved to Huntington in the Fall of 2002; I moved 3 hours away from home and chose to attend a school where I'd never received a formal campus tour.  I left behind a home on the mend, as my mom, brother, and I were still in the process of picking up the pieces and moving on from the untimely death of my father. Little did I know,  Marshall University would FIX me for life.
It's where I moved on, overcame grief and shock, and grew up.  I began dating my husband there, learned the concepts of hard work and team effort, and found a real sense of belonging in this big crazy thing we call "life".  I really became my own little woman in the city of Huntington, discovered a serious need for challenges and adventure, and developed the beginnings of a ruthless attempt to live life to the fullest.  I became brave.  "What's the big deal?", you ask - "it's just Huntington, it's not like it's New York City or anything."  For me, it was!  I grew up in a town of 3,000 in rural West Virginia, scared to go anywhere and do anything.  The four years I spent as a student at Marshall University were all I needed to realize that I can do anything. (OK, not anything. But lots of things.)
My education also benefited me employment-wise.  Moving to Southeastern Ohio doesn't exactly guarantee a large pool of job opportunities.  No, I'm not a lawyer. Or doctor. or dentist.  I'm definitely nowhere near having as much money as I would like, but I have a sweet office inside the building of a non-profit organization that most would die to have. I work with fantastic co-workers that have become friends. Most importantly, I found a sense of belonging as a working person in a college town that is basically made up of the college and various pizza chain restaurants, and have been able to live happily and fully with my husband and our little fat house cat.
I earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from the Marshall University College of Liberal Arts in Criminal Justice.  The confidence and sense of accomplishment that I feel is still overwhelming, even after 5 years of sporting the cap and gown and shaking president Kopp's hand on stage as the late Senator Byrd looked on from his seat. It's not just a piece of paper on the wall; it's my love life, my work life, and my entire future.  It's a great past, an unforgettable experience, and a tradition for my husband, sister-in-law, and I.  How could I not take time out to be thankful for something that resembles love, livelihood, and special bonds that will last forever?

   
What is one thing that you're thankful for today?
(Go Herd!)

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11 comments:

Jessica @ This Blessed Life said...

awwww! i just showed my husband this picture - the music building is just to the left, right? (since he was the student, he spent a lot more time there than me.)

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Aw, I love that picture of Old Main!!! Did you take it?

Miranda said...

This makes me miss Marshall SO MUCH!!!!!

Jessica said...

That is such a pretty picture! I am so thankful for my education too.

Amanda said...

I just took my last final today and I will know in a week if I passed this math class....and if so I'm done!!!! I don't think I failed, I'm just so worried because this is my last chance at all this!

I will soon be thankful for my education, but for now I'm thankful for the support of everyone around me for the last 6 months that I've been in school.

Aimee said...

Aww this is so special. I am also very grateful for my college experience. It really helped me grow into the person I am today and helped turn my life aorund. I feel that I have the tools to become a successful person one day. And hopefully I have also met my future husband through my college. (thats if me and kevin get married)

Today I am thankful for my loved ones who actually take the time to care about me and support me. I would be nothing if it wasnt for all of their wonderful love and support

Faith said...

i didn't go there but reading this post made me wish i had!

Heather said...

That is a gorgeous photo of the campus! I wish my college's campus looked like that!

Rebekah said...

That is a great thing to be thankful for! That picture is great!

love jenny xoxo said...

looks like a beautiful campus!

XOXO

Legally Lovely said...

Sweetie, you are right up the road from my home! Athens is so pretty, isn't it?

I went to undergrad at Miami with a bunch of girls from WV (where I am originally from), and we called ourselves "The Herd" in honor of our love for Marshall.

So funny that we both love Marshall and live right down the road from each other! :)