Roberta Hartung Bryan - A.A.S. Gerontology Graduate

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" ~ Seneca.
It's official! Last Friday, June 15, 2012 I walked across the stage at the Memorial Coliseum and received my degree. I am very proud of myself and I knew from the beginning that I would indeed walk across that stage.


I even had postage stamps made of moi to mail out my announcements (thank you Janice for this wonderful idea)!


It all began a couple of years ago when I had signed up for a community education class called "Your Brain + Neuroplasticity" being taught by Cat Zimmerman. It was a class about keeping your brain nimble and quick as you age. She also talked about her own path and returning to school in her 50's.


About six months later I was up at the college getting Mandii signed in and asked what it would take to get enrolled into their Gerontology program. I would soon find the comfort of Jan Abushakrah's office with she and Tina inside.



I decided to get my Math out of the way first off (the only B I ever got-phft!) along with starting an art a day board dedicated to only school adventures.
Then it was on to the interesting classes and internships (10 internships had to be completed). I loved the Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, Geography classes along with "most" of the internships. My favorite internship was at The Neighborhood House (Senior Center and Aging Services) and I chose to stay on as a volunteer there after my internship ended ~ it's where I met Eddie Lim and Stanley Kiesel, and it's where I came across my new scooter!



I would graduate Phi Theta Kappa and my Mother Mabel presented me with my honor cords to wear graduation night.



As graduation neared I heard from other students about the Stole Of Gratitude. It is a stole you present to a special person in your life that has provided invaluable emotional, moral or financial support. I had many cheerleaders throughout this adventure. The person I chose to receive the Stole Of Gratitude from me was Stan. Many nights he would watch The Blazers on mute so that I could read and study. He would proofread my papers and re-proofread my papers. There was never a day that we was not cheering me on.




So with my Wonder Woman converse tennies on, I proudly walked across that stage, the one I had written about years before on one of my very first art pieces.




Graduation night was spent celebrating with family and friends as well as the following day.















I will forever feel blessed that I took that first community education class that would unknowingly lead me down the gerontology path. And that path would bring me so many new things and ideas to learn about, new friends to meet and places to be. Thank you Cat for being the catalyst and remember you all....to fill out your Advance Directive!!

Pre-Graduation Celebration

Every year the collages' individual departments hold a pre-graduation celebration party. Last Wednesday, the Gerontology Department held theirs.

I had previously attended last years celebration to root on Paul Perry. I can't remember the exact moment we became friends but I do know that I felt honored to be there last year for him. I remember thinking that he would have this abundance of time now on his hands being done with school. So with that in mind I pondered whether to get him a hamster or a plant to take up some of his spare time....I chose wisely...I got him the plant!

Jan Abushakrah, the head of the Gerontology department was there to hand out the certificates to those that would be graduating. The lady is a champion for all and has an overabundance of patience.




You could feel the proudness of each person, receiving their certificate and knowing that they were just a couple of weeks away from graduating; many off to different universities, job paths or a new adventure.



She asked each of us what was something that stood out for us - what was the one thing that we were coming away with. Mine I told the crowd was meeting the Doodle-ers! Four other students, that I met along the way, that have become my friends and a part of my life. Paul Perry, Annette Lansing, Teresa Tardy and Patti Witherite...they are the best!




I loved receiving my certificate and I am giddy with excitement about receiving my degree in a couple of weeks.



Even more wonderful was that Stan and Paul and Annette were there to cheer me on.

Oh and did I happen to mention the beautiful bracelet from Paul? Yes....a tad bit nicer than a hamster or plant!!



Thank you so much my wondermous cheerleaders!!

Cords & Tassels & Rings ~ Oh My!

Today while on campus I walked by the booths set up for students who will be graduating this June ~ Cap & Gowns, Honor Cords & Tassels, Announcements and....and, then I saw them....Class Rings. My heart went pitter-pat full time giddy. I remember in High School coming really close to getting one my Junior year from a boyfriend from a different school (but I think I "might" have done something mean and that put the kibosh on that!). When it came time for my graduation, someone thought I needed a set of Corelle dishes instead.

Walking to my Psychology class I started to think about all of the past terms and classes I have taken in pursuit of my Gerontology Degree. From day one I had it in my mind to always wear my "lucky t-shirt" on test and finals days. I chose to wear the t-shirt I got in Kardamyli, Greece (different spellings, so I always go with David's way of spelling it).



Not sure why I chose that t-shirt, except for the fact that I was so very lucky to have been able to spend time there with such wonderfully fun and gorgeous people.

Last week sitting in class, I got a lengthy text message from Kristi which read (of course I saved it!):






It's messages and words like that that make me feel good about those long stressful eraser nights. I feel great about choosing to go after this degree ~ it was a good decision!

Seeing those booths today got me so excited for my graduation next year. Announcements, Cap & Gown, Honor Cords and Tassels, and maybe, just maybe..... that long-awaited for tiny silver ring!