In a few short days, I’ll celebrate with my students at Wheaton College’s 2024 Commencement. Many won’t know, but I’ll be celebrating a bit more than usual as a fellow member of the Class of 2024.

I spent last week in Arizona taking part in the graduation celebrations at Arizona State University alongside 20,700 other Sun Devils graduating as part of their largest class ever. I earned my MA in Communication from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Going back to school was never something I had given thought to until a few years ago when I made the transition to academia and realized that was where I wanted to spend the rest of my days. Academia has rules and beliefs that are deeply entrenched, and as someone who had only earned a Bachelor’s Degree, it was held against me and prevented me from doing some things I hoped for. When I first heard, “I’d love to hire you full-time, but you don't have a high enough degree,” it hurt and made me wonder if it would be worth it.

Fast forward to a chat with my Department Chair, with a big nudge to get my Master’s Degree. She has become a trusted mentor and friend, so her words hit home, and I began my search for what school I wanted to add to my story.

My daughter had begun at ASU until COVID changed her path. While she was there, I fell in love with the school. Their approach to education, innovation, and forward-thinking resonated with me. It is the sort of place where I could see myself teaching one day.

I took a deep look at the variety of online asynchronous graduate programs out there. Many of them added an “online” or “global” to their title, which I hated. I wanted to earn a degree that had the school’s name on it, the same as any other graduate. I also wanted a school with an extensive alumni network that I could then be part of. ASU was the one, and we celebrated when I received my acceptance letter.

Balancing being a quality professor, an engaged member of my college community, a loving husband, AND a graduate student was not easy. Most nights and weekends were filled with reading, writing, and grading or lecture prep. I didn’t share what I was doing with many people because I hoped no one would notice, and I think I pulled that off.

Traveling to Arizona and celebrating it with my family made it all extra special. Seeing the pride on my parent’s faces warmed my soul. Neither of my kids got to have their graduation celebrations, so the reality of me being the one walking across a stage in Arizona made us all giggle.

I’m emotional but kept things in check most of the week. But, as I returned to my seat in the stadium after walking across the stage and having my name called, I noticed a video message. It was from one of my current students, along with several other students screaming as they watched the livestream of my ceremony. I broke down because that was the only confirmation I needed that I was right where I should be. I never had a connection with a professor like that, and it let me know I’m approaching teaching exactly as I should be.

They say, “Once a Sun Devil. Always a Sun Devil.” I’m proud to call myself now one.

People have asked what I will do with my summer, and I keep telling everyone I will breathe. I have a new class to prep for the fall and want to do some overdue tweaking of my other courses. I have some training to attend, and Laura and I will take a needed vacation.

I’m infinitely thankful to all of you who supported me through these last two years. The hugs, words of encouragement, and not looking down at me were appreciated. I’ll never judge anyone by what degree they do or don’t have. This degree was for me and my future. Twenty-eight years after my first one is a long time for this kid who has always loved to learn but rarely enjoyed school.

#ForksUp