35 miles

I went on one of the longer bike rides I've ever taken today. Dustin and I rode to Stone Mountain, went around it a few times, and then rode back. It was such a gorgeous day and it was really nice to be outside after working all morning. Families were all over the place celebrating Mother's Day, which I'm not neglecting but celebrating tomorrow. Dustin and I talked some of the ride, but a lot of the time I spent in thought, processing through all that has happened lately. About 2/3 of the way through the ride Dustin saw a German bakery and decided he needed a little fix, so we stopped. I was hungry but didn't want to eat until after the ride. However, he got a cream-filled pastry and diet coke. He said that he wasn't sure he would have good energy on the ride back without it. I thought about it for a minute, realizing he was probably right. Here's the dietitian, not having a snack during a long workout. Oh well. Yes, I was a little sluggish on the way home, but who knows if it was just that I'm tired in general or I didn't get some German treat.

Tomorrow I graduate from Emory. It seems like so long ago that I applied to the program. I can remember being in Anthropologie in Portland, OR when my roommate called me to tell me my acceptance letter had come in the mail. I remember the subsequent phone call to my mom to tell her and she was the one who was excited between the 2 of us. I can feel the sinking feeling in my gut during orientation as I wondered why I had made the decision that I did to leave San Francisco and attend Emory. It's so vivid, the day I decided not to quit and go to medical school during the holiday semester break that first year. What a ride this has been. People say that nursing school is tough- I think most of the time due to the academic challenge and maybe in part due to the disorganization that I think most nursing schools have. Well, nursing school was tough, but for me it wasn't the academics, the disorganization (though it is one of my biggest complaints about the program), or even the time that was required of me. I think it was tough for me because it was a battle of the will. I constantly was wrestling with myself- trying to find the positive. Trying to motivate myself to do the homework. Trying to see the value. Trying not to fast-forward to when I would be finished. I can't really put my finger on what was the "German treat" of the experience, but at some point something gave and I became more energized to push through and finish.

Now I don't have to fast-forward anymore. It's here, and much sooner than I ever thought possible. While I'm not inherently excited by another bachelors degree, I am excited to get out and be a nurse- something that's been in the works for 4 years. I'm excited for a break from homework, though I still have to study for the NCLEX exam. I'm saddened that I have to say goodbye to the family of classmates that I've wrestled alongside for the past 2 years. Truly, it's a bittersweet occasion and I never thought I'd say that. Earlier this year I attended a recruiting event for Samford, where I got my first degree. The alums were supposed to be available to mingle with prospective students. They showed a video about Samford and as I watched it, I found myself missing my alma mater for the first time since I've left. I realized that I truly did appreciate the experience I had there. It made me wonder if I'll feel the same way about Emory once the dust settles. I didn't have to wait long for the answer. The dust hasn't settled yet, but I'm already more appreciative and feel honored to get my diploma from Emory tomorrow.

Here's to the NHWSON Class of 2010. Job well done! I can't wait to see us out being compassionate, proficient nurses saving the world!