Class of 2010

Yesterday was the beginning of Celebration Week in September.

Last night we had a party to recognize the accomplishments of my daughter in law, Brooke.

Brooke graduated from Brigham Young University, and she did it the hard way.

While at home visiting, just as her first semester of college was ending, Kevan and Brooke were introduced. They had a whirlwind few days and then Brooke was off again to pursue her dream of college life at BYU. Kevan was quite smitten and over the course of the next few months made a trip out west to visit-- his brother?? His cell bill and texting limits had to be adjusted. April could not arrive too soon that year. With the warmth of summer breezes they spent plenty of time together and decided that they would like to spend all of their time together. Brooke returned to school that fall with a diamond on her finger and visions of a Christmas wedding in her head.

Now I must explain that BYU is in the west and Kevan was living and working in the east. Brooke was determined to graduate from BYU and Kevan could not relocate--DILEMMA. What to do??

Brooke researched and found out that she could continue her studies online and take a few classes from local schools on the east coast, and so she did. Sounds easy?? Not so. Brooke jumped through hoops, drove miles and miles, talked a blue streak via the telephone and the answer always seemed to be--"Just come to campus and talk to your adviser". Campus was 3000 miles away, not a quick visit. But, Brooke persevered. Whatever hurdle was put in her way, she figured a way over. Whatever hoop was placed in front of her, she learned how to jump through. She was amazing. Occasionally it was overwhelming, occasionally it was frustrating. Being a self starter with online classes is a trick that Brooke figured out. It was a tough goal but she accomplished it.

I am so proud of Brooke and the hard work she did to graduate from college. She finished in the time she had allotted herself--4 years. She graduated from the school of her choice--Brigham Young University.

Benjamin Franklin had this to say:

If a man empties his purse into his head,
no man can take it away from him.
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

Last night we celebrated.

Today Brooke is job hunting.

Go Cougars--Class of 2010