Finally had my graduation ceremony at Nassau Community College.  It was quite an experience.  It was something I had never experienced before walking out into the coliseum as they called out my name and hearing the cheers.  The cheers was quite surprising because at first I thought it was my family, Linette and my cousin Mariel, later I found out it was cousins who yelled out, who happened to be there when for my other cousin who was graduating as well.  Nonetheless, it was a great feeling. 
The ceremony was about 2 hours long with Sen. Charles Schumer giving a congratulatory speech.  According to him “go for it” is quite a fitting quote.  I’m at the stage in my life where I just need to do what I need to get done so I can finally move forward with my plans.  I need to stop contemplating about it and just start doing it.  So for me, his speech seemed to have a more personal effect.
 
Before graduation day was finals week at Hofstra.  Exams weren’t too hard, I found them to be quite the same as midterms, except for ACC 102 and ENG 042.  ACC 102 was cumulative exam which made it twice as hard, and ENG 052 was an all essay exam. 
 
First semester at Hofstra wasn’t too bad.  However it took me a whole semester to become really comfortable there, and it wasn’t until finals time that I got to know more people in my classes and learned more about the resources available to me at the university.  Well, all I can say is that I’m looking forward to summer classes as well as the fall semester, so I can finish up and get moving.
 
Before I end this I want to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to attend Nassau Community College and eventually Hofstra.  They made big sacrifices for me to go back to school at a time where I should’ve been done already.  I love them dearly for that.
 
I want to thank my girlfriend Linette who was has been there every step of the way to help me get through my years at Nassau when I wanted to give up, especially in my disastrous first semester back in college.  I love you very much dear!
 
I also want to thank my Uncle and my cousin Mariel for attending the ceremony, it meant a lot knowing that you were there to see me walk. 
 
Another thank you goes out to my friends who came over afterwards, you guys also helped me out during years starting back in school again.  And being there after the ceremony was just comforting in helping me realize that the Associate in Applied Science degree is just another milestone on the way to the BBA and that AAS is a worthwhile accomplishment as well.
 
Thank you to all of you for celebrating with me.  Next stop, Shuart Stadium, BBA in BCIS.  Aiming for 2007.