Yes! College is officially done! I have a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech after four long years. The long, monotonous graduation was all worth it just for the chance to walk across the stage diploma in hand, looking up to my friends and family in the crowd.

Family and friends came together this afternoon for a post-graduation BBQ at a nearby park. There is nothing quite like hanging out with family and friends to remind me who I am, and how lucky I am. Mom and Dad were so happy and so proud hanging out with us kids today. Only Kristin and her hubby Rob didn’t make it b/c they are happily taking care of their new baby in Nevada.

So much has happened in the past year. It was this time last year that I “graduated” from “The Real World” and began my speaking engagements. Wow…it has been almost a year since I met Meredith. She is here as a friend of mine and my family now for the festivities. I never would have thought that the girl I ran into in the computer lab…

It really hasn’t hit me yet that I am done. I mean, I know I am done, but I don’t feel it. It was kind of the same in high school-I knew I didn’t have to come back here…that I was free. I know my new reality will become more distinct and separate from my college years, but for now, all I know is I don’t have to study tomorrow on the airplane. I’ve got to be up at six AM, so I’m off to bed.