Farewell Oregon Part II: School of Journalism and Communication Ceremony

June 18, 2010 - 8:00 PM

But soon we were expected to be back in line for our second ceremony. They took their places in line, and I took my place at the head of the line to carry the banner once again. The line was filled with people I knew and loved. We all looked around, knowing that it was the last time we would be together, but not really understanding it.

We were slowly led by a bagpiper onto the field behind the Knight Library and I took in every moment. I had earned the spot as the Standard Bearer, and I was in my element--representing the journalism school proudly.

After I placed the banner in its stand, I took my spot at the head of the line of people to get their diplomas. Because I was the Standard Bearer, I was able to get spots for my best friends right after me, so we three were the first to receive our diplomas from the school of Journalism and Communication.

Jessica's brother and Kinsley's boyfriend stood about 15 yards away from us, shooting photos of us the entire time. We sat and watched the rest of the people receive their degrees, gossiping and giggling all the while.

Afterward, it was a hodgepodge of families trying to find their graduates and vice versa. Once We all found each other, families in tow, we shot more photos of the three of us, and the four of us once Collin joined us as well.

That evening, the 25 of us went out to a very nice dinner and chatted about what was going on in the moment. Very seldom did we mention what we are doing after graduation; we just talked about what we were thinking in just those moments.

I stood up and read the lyrics to "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion to thank my parents for all that they have done to help me become who I am today, and we ended the evening all cutting our graduation cake together.

After a few short hours, we were dividing up into our separate cars and driving away. Away from the comfort of each other's ready accessibility, away from the day of graduation, and away from the University of Oregon.