Graduation and the iPad!

Great things have taken place lately! Last Thursday I graduated with my MPA from BYU. As I have said in previous posts, the experience exceeded all expectations. These two years formed me and prepared me in ways I never could have anticipated. I recommend the program to everyone. I could go on about Grantwell, the curriculum, the faculty, the staff, the students, and the social experience. In fact, Grantwell will merit its own post in the near future. I’ll miss my friends there very much and cannot wait to see where they all end up. I have loved BYU. Totally matchless.

Here is a small tribute to some of the amazing people who made it all possible:

Without my Ariel I would not have finished readings, had polished presentations, had pancakes for everyone in Grantwell, and had limitless support in everything I pursued. She made it all possible, and is a true MPAette. Thank you so much, greatest love, for pushing me and inspiring me all the way along. I owe you forever. I'm sure glad I have forever to repay you.

My parents on both sides supported, counseled and strengthened me along the way. Thank you to all of you for shaping me in your own ways!

This little man was also very patient and supportive with a busy Daddy. He got used to me leaving and always loved me just as much when I came back. Thanks Abe!

Dr. Thompson began as my professor, but through the two years he became a mentor, friend, co-star, and comrade. We have worked on a number of projects and I cannot say how much I have learned from him on an intellectual and personal level. It has been a blessing to know and work with him at school, performing, and in the community.

While I made many dear, true friends over the two years, these are the four who started it all. I worked with this team from the first semester and it served as the perfect kick-off to the next two years. They're the best. Curiously Strong Forever!

And the good ol' Tanner Building. Abe started calling it "Daddy's Big House" because of how often he came and visited me there. I'll miss those classrooms, study rooms, cubicles, and of course, the lounge.

As a gift for graduation, some family members presented me with an iPad! Whether reading, surfing, playing, or listening to the iPad, it is a unique experience like none I’ve had in the techno world. Ariel and I are reading Sherlock Holmes on it right now (complete with hyperlinks and videos), and Abe cannot get enough of Doodle Buddy. I’m thinking about naming it Strongbad the iPad (to complement our car, Trogdor). Below is a little video of Abe working the iPad magic.

Abe has turned into quite the artist. Below are some of his masterpieces, done completely by him.

Life is good! We can’t wait to see where it will take us! Onward and upward!