Posted on by Britta

Oh Hey, I Graduated!

Commencement occurred in a perfect sliver of time on Saturday. Seriously. The sun was bright, the sky was clear. It was cool, but not cold (though I was still very warm underneath my black gown). Within a half hour after the ceremony finished, the clouds started rolling in. It’s been raining pretty much non-stop ever since. We got so lucky with the gorgeous weather and I’m SO thankful I was able to graduate outside on my beautiful college campus on the prairie.

— — —

Being a college graduate is a funny thing. Well, to be more accurate, this period of transition is a funny thing. Leaving campus today was extremely bittersweet. As I was driving away, part of me wanted to turn around and speed back to the place I’ve called home for four years.

The other part of me, however, knew that I couldn’t do that. It’s time to move on. It’s time to experience more of the world, to learn and grow outside of a university setting.

What’s next for me, then, you might be wondering.

Well, first, home. I’m sitting on my childhood bed at home right now typing this post up. I haven’t been home since early January and here I am. Writing on my childhood bed.

I’m spending the summer at home. My goal is to find a temporary job, to
hang out with the high school friends I haven’t seen in a while and the college friends who will (luckily) be close by.

Then.

September.

In September, I’ll be heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand to teach English in a Thai school. I’m unbelivably excited. This opportunity arose kind of out of the blue. One night, when a friend and were I discussing opportunities for our future, I typed in “working abroad” into Google and found this program. After looking into the company further, I knew I had to do this. I desperately want an adventure and there is no better time for an adventure than now. I don’t have a job or a family holding me down. I just have me, my sense of wonder and wanderlust, and (soon…once I get it) a passport. I’ve never been outside the western world before. I’m so excited, a little anxious, and I know this will be an incredible learning experience. The idea of teaching English to students who have little to no experience with the language is terrifying. But I know I can do it. I know it won’t be easy, but that’s the point. I want a challenge. I promise I’ll be careful, Grandma!

I’ll be sure to obtain a plethora of new blogging materials while there, too, so expect updates along the way!

That’s in September, though. I have so much time (well, at least it feels like that now).

I have a lot to do before leaving…lots of paperwork and such. I also want to make sure I make the most of this summer with friends and get a job, make some money. The idea of being a long-term unemployed college graduate really doesn’t bode well with me.

I haven’t spent a full summer at home for a long time, so we’ll just see how this goes…

— — —

Here’s to many exciting post-college experiences and adventures!

First, though, I have to share some graduation pictures…

IMG_20150509_160352495 (1)
So excited to have that degree!
Friends!
A rare photo of my lil brother and me (you mean you want us to take a picture together and *gasp* touch???–some things never change).
Walking out

28 Replies to “Oh Hey, I Graduated!”

  1. Congratulations Britta! Yay! You made it.
    And you look so happy. I am happy for your too.
    And your plans are wonderful. Going to Thailand is a superb idea. I am already looking forward to reading your posts.
    I wish you all the best with your new path.
    Follow your heart, have an open mind, and experience the world’s beauty. In this way, you will keep always learning and developing yourself. And remember that happiness is not an end goal, and can be with you, every day of your life.
    Cheers to a bright and happy future!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you, Lucile! I am so excited too (and, I admit, a little anxious). You can be sure to see updates from me once I get there.
      Your words of advice have definitely struck a chord with me. Thank you for sharing them and I will try my best to live such a life!

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  2. I agree with Lucile!
    Congrats Britta. You will live Chiang Mai, it’s such a cool place, so much to see and do and taste and experience. How exciting! I’m so happy for you!! Xx

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  3. Britta, congratulations on your graduation (even though I saw you there) and also on your EXCITING job in Thailand!! l have friends who studied abroad/did missions work there and they absolutely loved it.

    We are in very similar boats for the summer–temporary jobs, living at home, waiting for the future. I also haven’t spent a summer at home in a long time–since before college started. But taking a break is good. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Amelia! I’m so excited.

      For sure, taking a break is such a good thing. I’m going to try to enjoy this much needed downtime as much as possible before life picks up again.

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  4. Congratulations Britta! The pictures are lovely. I hope you have a great summer back home and the Thailand job sounds so interesting and exciting! I am looking forward to you sharing your experience there. 🙂

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  6. Congratulations on graduating! I will be in the same boat as you in the next month. 🙂 Super excited that you’ll be going overseas to teach English; I would love to see you write about your experiences while over there (I’m also doing something similar as well, and might post something about that soon, so stay tuned!).

    Again, enjoy the celebrations!

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    1. Oh thank you, Jessie. I so excited and eager to experience a new culture and challenge myself in a new way and I’m also looking forward to sharing those experiences here in the blogosphere. 🙂

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  8. Britta!
    I read your blog with a huge smile on my face, picturing your graduation day and how exciting it was for you…I’m glad the rain held off! I’m sure it was an emotional farewell to that chapter in your life… While reading, when I got to the bold part where you wrote that you’ll be teaching English in Thailand, I swear I said out loud to myself “WOW!” — That is AMAZING news — I can’t wait for the posts and photos you’ll share with us — it will indeed be the experience of a lifetime…
    I’m glad you’ll be home until September so you can spend time with your family and friends…
    I loved the pics of you and your friends and family on graduation day, btw! It took me back to my college days too…
    I wish you a million days of happiness as you embark on your new chapter! Look forward to reading you soon,
    *Lia

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Oh, thank you so much, Lia! Your words of kindness and encouragement are so meaningful. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this post and seeing the pictures. 🙂
      I’ll be sure to blog and hopefully take some really cool pictures once I get there! It will DEFINITELY be an experience of a lifetime!

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  9. Wow. I think I have told you congratulations so many times already but I’m saying it again! Congrats!!! 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful photos!

    Thailand? I am jealous. It is one of my favorite countries. I am sure you will have a blast there, as long as you keep an open mind. It is a different culture so make sure you do your research. Enjoy life while you are young. There is so much out there to see! Cant wait to read more of your adventures. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Belle. I’m so very glad you enjoyed the photos. I had some requests for pictures, so I figured I might as well share them.

      Oh goodness, I’ve heard so many amazing things about Thailand and I cannot wait to experience it for myself! I have been doing some research already and will make sure to do much more before I leave. I can’t wait to share my experiences with all of you!

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      1. Do you like Thai food? If you do, then that is just the beginning. I LOVE the tum yum soup there! It is just different from the way they make it here. Also, do you love spas and massages? Thai massage is THE best! not to mention cheap too. Oh, I could go on and on… 😉

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  11. Yay! You graduated! Big Congrats and hugs! I’m sure your family is happy to have you sitting on your childhood bed for the summer! Enjoy your down time and fun with your friends before you head to Thailand! You will love teaching English! We can’t wait to hear about those adventures. Meanwhile, bask in your glory for awhile!

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