Kodak Moment ~ endings and beginnings

~ Kodak Moment ~

We all go through stages in our lifetime.  We move from one phase to the next.  Sometimes we see beginnings and endings.  Sometimes we just seem to float into the next phase.  But when we look back on our life, we are able to see the different phases, even if there is no clear beginning or ending. 

The Kodak Moment I chose to share with you was that of my college graduation some years back.  On my mom's side of the family, I am #7 of 13 grand kids.  I was the first to go to college and the first to graduate.  Eventually some of my younger cousins (I think 3 or 4 or them) graduated from college as well. 

I put myself through college.  I had worked through high school and the summers and put every dime away.  I also relied on student loans.  However, they usually arrived after I had to purchase my books.  My grandparents would always loan me the money and as soon as my loan was in, I sent them a check and a heartfelt thank you card. 

I was very close to my grandparents.  I remember on opening day of baseball, (for the Cubs), I would cut classes, stay in my dorm room and watch the game.  There was always a call to or from Grandma and Grandpa to discuss the game.  Grandma was as much of a Cub's fan as Grandpa and I.  My grandparents were wonderful.  They always encouraged and supported me in whatever I decided to do.  My grandfather, unfortunately passed away about 7 weeks before I received my diploma, so he never saw me walk across the stage.

To also assist me through school, I was chosen to be a Resident's Assistant (R.A.).  We had to go through multiple interviews and tests before we were chosen.  I was one of three sophomores chosen for the position.  An R. A. was in charge of a dorm floor.  We were required to hold educational and social events for our floor as well as have required duty nights.  This was when we had to actually walk the halls to make sure no rules were broken.  We had weekly meetings to discuss concerns and learn how to handle different types of situations we may encounter.  The was certainly a growth and maturing process for me.  

Becoming an AR paid for my room and board, but I still had to pay tuition, books and living expenses.  Many of my friends had the good fortune of their education being paid by their parents.  But because this all relied on me, I learned to budget both my time and money.  I learned to appreciate what I could do for myself.  This instilled the beginning of my becoming self reliant, of knowing that I could accomplish what I wanted to if I put my heart and soul into it.  My college graduation was certainly my Kodak Moment. 

This photo is with my grandmother and my mom just before graduation.  I know my grandfather was with me in spirit.  That day was the start of my life as a working adult contributing to society.  I can proudly look back on that day and know that I am what I am today because of my college experience.

This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera

To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain.

 ActiveRain.