Blog 8- Extra Credit Victoria Petty

The Day After College Graduation 

The first inhale of sweet, moist, Washington, DC summer morn titillates my senses.  I smile slowly before stirring at all, enjoying each incremental moment of the curling of my lips.  I am so proud, so thankful, so fortunate, and so happy.  The warm sun begs me to lift my eyelids and into focus comes the bursting, brightly colored fanfare of the florals showered upon me by my friends and family.  Lying beside it the colors of honor bestowed upon all of us who went the distance to strive for excellence in all learning and scholarship.  “Thank you,” I humbly utter to so many and i chill runs through me that seems to make my aura emanate a glow.  

I rise and inhale, stretch, exhale and glance towards my alarm’s daily scheduling holograph. “Merci’.  Close, and please prepare la cafe’.  With a full day planned of fun, photos, and cheer, and an early flight out the next morning, I grab my climate controlled running gear and head out to get energized for the future.  At the table by the door, I see the crisp, textured box of business cards and break out in a grin. Unable to hold it in, I mutter another thank you, this time I glow more fully, for--as Howard alumni--we measure how well we build upon our educational opportunities by how much resulting empowerment there is for all.