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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Dream Word Scrapbook Album

Hi Everyone! This is my very first "word" album. Oooh, I love these word albums. . .I've always wanted to create one but I thought it would be too much work but wow, it's so not true. It's actually quite easy to make. This word album is "Dream" by S.E. I.

This album is very personal to me because it highlights a very monumental moment in my life. . .my college graduation. I can't even begin to tell you the journey it took to get my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. I started college soon after high school but I was so ill focused that I really couldn't get my footing when it came to a strict college curriculum. I wanted to work because I needed money so I decided to attend school part-time. Then a few tumultuous events occurred in my life and I decided to attend college here in California. Unfortunately, I really got home sick so I returned home and attended community college instead.


My father (I was adopted by my grandfather as a child) passed away when I was 20 years old and well, that really put me into a tailspin so I took a break from school. Then I got married, had my daughter. . .only when my daughter was 2 years old (she's 17 now), I decided to return to school and obtain my Bachelor's Degree.

Boy, it was tough because I worked part-time, went to school full-time and was a mother and wife at the same time. But I was 100% committed and nothing could stop me once I really committed myself to finishing college.


It took 5 1/2 years to finish up a 4 year degree but it was the best 5 1/2 years of my life. It was tough but gosh, it was so nice to be surrounded by people who were ambitious, smart, and had the same goals that I had.

I'm proud to say I graduated with honors. . .American Scholar, National Honor Society (Golden Key), and Nursing Honor Society. Whoohoo! Who would believe. . .me . . .Miss Ill-Focused. . . that was the irony of it all. I swear, my family refused to take me seriously until they actually saw me graduate. LOL!!



My grandmother, who adopted me as a child, was able to see me graduate and that was the proudest moment of my life. She had always wondered if I ever would graduate. She was so happy for me. My grandmother passed away 3 years ago but looking at this photo of my grandmother brings back such happy memories.



This picture is my nursing school classmates. We went through tough times together and it was so nice to have gone through the experience with them from the beginning.

We all were accepted into nursing school our sophomore year and graduated together. UH accepted their nursing students in their sophomore rather than the traditional junior year. The track allowed us to incorporate our core requirements along with the upper division nursing courses to spread it out and free our summers up.


I'm still good friends with a few of my nursing classmates. I haven't seen a few of them since graduating from college but once in awhile I would hear about them through the grapevine.

This picture was taken after the graduation ceremony and my family met me afterwards to congratulate me. This moment was a dream come true, hence, the mini album "dream".

Just a few details on the album:

Paper: K&Co designer paper
Accessories: Making Memories metal words, Deja View Prima Flowers, JoAnn brads, JoAnn Vellum Quotes, K&Co tags, American Craft Elements ribbon, Organdy ribbon, JoAnn metal rim round tag

7 comments:

Jodie said...

Love it. It is so touching

2 Worlds said...

wonderful album Maria.
I have to do one of this one day

Rita said...

This is so fabulous & a treasure that you will cherish forever!

Lori said...

Maria:
I love it!!! Reading the meaning behind it brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure this'll be cherished forever.

Lori

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

NO way! That does look like a lot of work. Well worth it though. It's beautiful. Love the word dream. It's perfect to describe the inspiration that helped you work SO hard. You are incredible! WOW! Many many many congrats on your accomplishments (you brainiac you!) :O)

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Absolutely gorgeous Maria!!! Wow-wee!!!

:-)

Jodi said...

This is a great porject, now I see that picture of your graduating class, and it will remind me of how we both know Brent!! LOL!! =)