Mastering Communications

Today I unofficially officially became a Master of Communication. I still have a few final things to finish up, but by the end of the summer, the fake diploma I was handed today will be a bona fide degree.

147, guys. That's alotta TV.

I'm not gonna lie - it's been a long road. After nearly two years, I've forgotten what it feels like to have a full night's sleep. Lugging my laptop to work everyday, "lunch" is just a MACOMM workshop, weekends are more often about homework than relaxing, and I have 147 programs waiting for me on the DVR. The patience of my friends and family has been tested, as they've participated in this process in so many ways. From starring in my projects to listening to me vent (and sometimes cry), I'm thankful that none of them of them have cut ties with me completely.

So today, as I donned my cap and gown and that crazy Master's hood, I want to thank those people. If we've had dinner or drinks at any point in the last two years or if you've shared an SHU classroom with me, you know you're included in this list.

Maggie and Rebecca, thank you for reminding me what school was like and how to get the most out of it.

(my) Lori, I don't know if you remember that long conversation we had almost two years ago. The one where I was in tears for most of it? The one where you did what you've always done, giving me unconditional support and encouragement even though you're in another time zone. Thank you. I can't wait til you're back in the RIGHT time zone.

Kate and Cara, thanks to you for being both an inspiration and motivators. Some of my most epic breakdowns were calmed with furry banana emails and Kitchen MacGyver chats. You guys are the spirit of NYC for me.

To all the Scarpas and everyone at Center Stage, thank you for opening up your theater to me. Without you guys sharing your passion with me, I honestly don't know how I would've completed projects I could be proud of.

Sarah (who will probably never read this), thank you for giving me two things - a kick in the ass when I needed it to quit whining, and my favorite little person to make me forget school, at least for moments at a time.

Should not be allowed in class together

Dr. Lori, it was obvious that first night of class when we shared matching Kate Spade phone cases that you would be much more than a professor for me. You've been a mentor and a grounding presence, and I truly appreciate everything you've done to help me excel in the program. Well, everything except the crazy-stare looks you give me in class when we're not supposed to be acting like 14-year-olds but you're trying to prove a point. ;)



Kelly, you and Lori are my MACOMM prizes for sure. I am SO glad we got caught up in the same debate during those early days of online class - nerds will always find their fellows, I guess! I learned as much from you as I did our professors - someday, we'll have an office with a fridge fully stocked with milk. And snacks for Jackson, too.

Best Cheering Section In the World

And finally to the most awesome cheering section in the whole world, Lindsay and Mia. Your support and willingness to forgive my moods, schedule, and (sometimes ridiculous) requests means so much, and I can't thank you enough for being the first ones asking for tickets to be there with me today. I love you guys. May confetti cannons pop wherever you go.

Though certain members of my family (ahem, MOTHER) haven't always supported my decision to go back to school, they've done what they could to make sure I finished. Whether it was one sister packing me meals for those long days or the other sister encouraging me to pursue opportunities or even my mom realizing how much I needed to get away from it all, I know they just want what's best for me.

A lot has happened in the last two years beyond my education. The people I love the most have experienced some of the most significant moments in their lives in those two years, good and bad. Some have celebrated, some have lost, some have overcome the unimaginable. In the grand scheme of things, my MACOMM degree - and the Gold Medal of Excellence I am proud to have earned - might not become the most significant accomplishment of my life, but I hope that the lessons I've learned, the challenges I've overcome, and (especially!) the friendships I've made will keep me going in the right direction.

And someday, I'll get to those 147 recordings on my DVR.

Congratulations, Class of 2013!