Awards Ceremony

May 15, 2010 - 8:23 PM

A few weeks ago, I was asked to submit an application for a university award. So I submitted a little bit of information about my involvement on campus over the last three years. I did a few volunteer activities, a lot of stuff in the journalism school, and I was somewhat impressed with the way my list of activities turned out.

Eventually, I got an e-mail saying that I was chosen for a university award and that I couldn't know what it was until the ceremony. A hard copy of the letter was sent to me, my dad, and my mom, and my parents were invited to attend the awards ceremony on May 15, 2010.

My parents were told about the award that I was getting, but were asked to keep it a secret until the day of the ceremony.

For my dad to come down to Eugene it's no big deal; he lives in Portland, and loves the drive down I-5. But my mom, who is mentally ill and lives about four hours away, has a harder time coming down to see me. In fact, she only does it on special occasions.

But this qualified as a special occasion, and we found a way to get her down to Eugene for the big ceremony.

So this weekend, my parents came down and spent two days with Collin and me. We ate at all of our favorite restaurants, walked around the campus, and went to the celebration.

To get ready for the celebration, I gave my mom a haircut, did her nails, and fixed her makeup while helping her dress for the event.

Once we got there, I was awarded the Dean's Award for Service to the university, and I was given a plaque that I can hang next to my diploma after I get it this June.

It was really wonderful to be recognized by the university and be able to make my parents proud like I did.