Today was my last day at Gadsden State.

Today was my last day at Gadsden State.  This is a bittersweet feeling.

I started classes there in January of 2015 and went non-stop.  I was never able to go full-time due to work constraints, but I think I made pretty good time.  I remember meeting with my Student Support Services adviser not long after I started classes and saying "I think I want to do Computer Science.  I want a money job and I like tech.  I guess I'll just start and see where it goes."  Little did I know that the farther in I got the more I would want to be there and the more driven I would become.

On one hand it does seem like it flew by (probably because I stayed so busy), but on the other I have felt every minute of this experience, for better or worse.  I have grown so much in ways that I didn't know I could.  But I also sacrificed a lot to make that happen.  I fought tooth and nail to get here - against schedule conflicts, against my body, against my mind, against exhaustion, against all of 2016, against a state government that wants to see me fail, and against just plain and simply missing my loved ones.  There is no more straightforward way to say this:  Sacrifices were made.

Now I've got just under 2 weeks to be ready for JSU.  I'm at least half-way done with my college journey to a Bachelor's Degree, and I'm more motivated than ever to finish.  I did get the transfer scholarship I wanted, I still have the Pell Grant backing me, and I'm going to go full-time.  Work will be freelance and take a back seat to my education.  It is not set in stone, but I've got my eye on graduating in May of 2019.

Anyway, I really appreciate all of the support from my friends and family.  And to my teachers who are on here I am grateful that you were a part of my journey.  Gadsden State will always hold a special place in my heart, and so will you.  I wouldn't have made it this far without you.  ❤

Now, I'm off to eat, do my nails, and anxiously await the posting of final grades!  That never gets old.  😜