syd + preston: Hello college graduate!

I cannot even begin to describe what a relief it is to be done with college. Can I start by saying that it flew by?!? MAN! I thought high school went by in the blink of an eye until college came along. I can't say I'm disappointed with how fast it went.

Where's Waldo?? (aka Syd)

I do, however, wish that I would have taken more advantage of my education and enjoyed each and every class. Most of the time it felt like I was just sitting in class counting down the days until I could be done.

But why didn't I just realize sooner that if I'm going to be taking these classes, I might as well enjoy them and see what all I can learn! But I didn't. There were numerous classes that I absolutely hated and that I totally took for granted.

But don't get me wrong. Overall, I loved my experience at Brigham Young University. Members of the church and nonmembers of the Church alike both dislike and have their negative comments to make about this institution. But from personal experience, I think it is one of the finest institutions around.

Yeah we have to sign the honor code. But how bad is that really? I mean all that that really means is that we agree to be honest, live a chaste and virtuous life, obey the law and all campus policies, use clean language, respect others, abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse, participate in church services regularly, observe the dress and grooming standards, and last of all, encourage others in their commitment to comply with the honor code. Really, not that bad.

Especially if you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you're not, then I can understand it would be a little more difficult because you are not used to living your life in that way.

But members and nonmembers alike - I would encourage anyone to go there. You get such a great education and are surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Everyone out celebrating over dinner the night of graduation.

As I participated in the graduation exercises for BYU I just sat there and thought about how incredible it is to have received such a wonderful education. I saw many individuals receiving their masters and doctorates and thought to myself how neat it would be to achieve something like that. Who knows, maybe I will!

I have my parents to thank for college education. Without them I would have never made it as far as I did. They are literally the reasons why I now have earned my Bachelor's Degree.

And of course my sweet husband. I was able to experience my senior year at BYU being married. I wish I could have been married all four years because I got the best grades my senior year than any other year!! WOO WOO!

I feel so blessed to have so many people that love and support me. My cousin Sarah and I graduated together and we had quite the cheering section. It was so special to have all of my loved ones there.

I will forever remember the things that I learned at Brigham Young University. Even though like most, I didn't take full advantage of every single class, I learned some very valuable things from some incredible professors that I will forever cherish.