After 1821 days as a student (yes that is 5 years), I have crossed the finish line of my college career. This past Saturday, April 30th, 2022, I walked across the stage at the STROH center at Bowling Green State University and was granted not one but two Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration with specializations in Information Systems and Business Analytics & Intelligence. BGSU’s College of Business is of finest quality and ranks No. 47 overall in the US, No. 24 among all public institutions and 2nd best among Ohio’s public universities.
I am a single mom of 3 teenagers that chose to make a different future for not just myself, but for my children too. I know how important education is to finding a career, supporting a family, and even for ones own self esteem to feel valued in the world. I did this for them, and me.
The morning of my graduation, I felt my heart pounding as I was ‘dropped off’ by the sidewalk to make my final walk on the grounds of BGSU and slip in the back door with all the other seniors anxiously wondering what happens next. With coffee in hand, because I love my coffee each and every morning (a habit I started ONLY because of college) I march through the doors that were graciously held open by BGSU staff all smiles as if they were waiting for ME!
Standing under the arrow marked “College of Business,” I watched the clock count down. I saw classmate’s mouths moving but it was as if I was in a quiet moment soaking it all in surrounded by every other dreamer in that room. The words, WE DID IT were resting on my heart; and they opened the doors, it was time to go!
Marching in and scanning the crowd for my best friend, children, and love of my life was not an easy feat while marching in line trying not to stumble! I wanted to see their reassuring faces that they can SEE ME and connect proud eyes, I made it! They have seen me cry over homework many nights and not sleep and press in through every thing thrown at me. I wanted them proud of me.
I wanted them to see me trying to be better and that nothing is impossible. I wanted to be an example that no matter what circumstances come, you have a decision to make to continue on and learn the lessons to grow with life.
The opening encouraging remarks were refreshing and I really felt each speaker was giving their wisdom and I wanted to glean as much as I can, especially President Rogers. Everyone truly loves this man; his heart is on his sleeve for each and every one of us. We are the survivors who fought through online classes during COVID and the first to graduate after the last two years of not just learning but learning a new normal along with it. The frontrunners, I felt it in my spirit and was glad to be standing there in awe as one of the 2,579 graduating seniors of the class of 2022!
Then there it was, music to my ears, “Sunshine Esther Griffin, cum laude”! I wanted to run like the little girl “Sunny” that I put on my cap; but dignified I needed to walk across the stage, shake the hands and I could not help but smile BIG! Like really BIG as I hear “SUNNY!” shouted by the man who holds my heart!
April 30th, 2022, was the first day of the rest of my life. I am thrilled to say I will be joining General Motors GPSC IT department as a Business Intelligence Analyst and thrilled for being part of the new generation of electric vehicles for a safer, cleaner future. I have the heart of a dreamer, innovator, thought leader, and life changer. I am ready to begin this next chapter and am celebrating all week. I even bought myself a graduation gift –– something I have never had before! I want remember to celebrate ME, too many years I just looked at the next hill in front of me, it was kind of boring doing that and very dull. So, here’s to me today, a Mom Grad, first generation graduation making history. Doing the thing, still dreaming the dreams, drinking the coffee, and shining brighter than I was yesterday.
Remember to celebrate you and all your crossing the ‘finish line’ accomplishments, nothing is too small to celebrate.
You woke up today, woo hoo! Cheers to a new day!
