attending graduation!

[cookderosa]

I see the masters hood, is that an "honors" cord also?

It is indeed Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit honor society. And to answer LateBloomer's question about what I'm wearing- the gown is just the traditional black gown that everyone wears in high school but with longer sleeves that go past your hands (why? who know??). The hat (mortar board) has a tassel and is traditional too, nothing special. For master's, there is a long hood (undergrads don't have that). Mine had gold felt for Master of Science (brown felt was for MBA, etc.) and then the school colors. I'm wearing my honor society pin on my left side and an honor cord around my neck.

Interestingly, I almost didn't follow up with the honor society stuff because it's not really just given to you, at least not at Canisius, and I was pretty busy with my thesis. I don't know what other schools do, but at Canisius, you are notified if you are eligible. They separate undergrad and grad, so in the graduate student group the top 15% of the graduating class got letters of eligibility, but Alpha Sigma Nu stipulates that any college can only choose 3% of the graduating class of any year, so it's competitive. There were 7 of us who were accepted. We needed a faculty letter (hard when you're a DL student) and a packet demonstrating 3 prongs: scholarship, loyalty, and service. Again, tough when you're a distance student. So, if anything, don't assume that because you're a distance student that you have to miss out on these opportunities!! I was actually in 2 campus clubs (though my participation was limited). There are sometimes ways to get as involved, even when you're not physically there, even a little.

EDIT: And I ALMOST FORGOT to say that Rebel was the one who pushed me through the process. He said "hey maybe someday 10 years from now you'll apply for a job at a Jesuit college and it might just be that little extra something on your resume" and he's right. I'm totally happy I did it!

[cookderosa]

Jennifer, is your oldest thinking about distance learning?

My oldest thinks about girls, cars, and his ipod. Learning is somewhere near the bottom of his list. ;p

[sumjeff]

This is a great picture and it's very inspirational, I hope to do it soon enough.

[alleycat]

Congrats girl! You did it Glad you made it to the ceremony. Thanks for sharing your family picture.

[cstock]

Congrats on graduating and good luck with the future. Great pic of your family as well!

[twilhelm]

Awesome! Beautiful family and beautiful story or perseverance and grit!

God Bless,
tony

[NAP]

I just got back from my graduation, and I want to encourage you to try and attend if at all possible. It's so nice to meet fellow students and teachers, plus you get to wear a cool hat. This is my support crew: hubby and sons!
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I'm so happy for you and your family; I know it will be a fantastic life-long memory. I really enjoyed the ceremonies and events for my undergraduate degrees, too. I'm already looking forward to the next one for my graduate degree. I hope that will be helpful motivation for the hard work ahead over the next 4 years.

Congratulations!!!!

[Bunbu]

My oldest thinks about girls, cars, and his ipod. Learning is somewhere near the bottom of his list. ;p

I love that he has his priorities straight!

[LaceyLady]

Congratulations! Great picture and beautiful (or rather handsome ) family! Thanks for sharing. I agree that the graduation ceremony is worth attending. It feels wonderful to be honored for the accomplishment, and even more so since it is your masters degree.

LaceyLady