Last Wednesday afternoon I graduated. Again.
I actually finished all of my coursework in December, but because New York University does not hold a winter convocation ceremony, I had to wait five long months to don the purple gown and black cap, complete with a hood to signify that I was the proud recipient of a Master's degree. I received my Master of Arts in Journalism from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at NYU. On the Eve of graduation, the Empire State Building was lit up in purple to commemorate the 2008 NYU Grads.
NYU traditionally holds the University-wide graduation ceremony in Washington Square Park, however, this year, because of construction, had to find another venue for the ceremony to take place. Much to my obvious excitement, the New York Yankees were gracious enough to allow us to use their famous stadium for the event. For anyone that knows me, this was a dream come true.
It was a great day for a ballgame - or a graduation. Students and parents packed the bottom sections of the legendary ballpark for the first - and last - graduation ceremony ever to take place in the House that Ruth Built. I moved to New York City from Texas almost two years ago to pursue my Master's degree, but I never thought that the culmination of that endeavor would take place at Yankee Stadium. What could make this better? A hot dog.
That's right. They were selling hot dogs! $5.25 later I was a happy girl. If only they had also been selling beer, I could probably have died a happy girl. But wait, it gets better! "If someone started the wave this would be perfect," I whispered to my friend Aimee. Not even 5 minutes later a group of undergrads instigated doing just that. Could it get any better!?
Oh yes, it could. This sounds completely crazy, but after the luck I'd had with the Hot Dog and The Wave, I was feeling pretty unstoppable. "Now we just need a streaker!" I said after enthusiastically participating in the wave. Lo and behold...
Photo Copyright Handschuh/News
What a perfect day. I left Yankee Stadium with a huge smile on my face, boarded the 4 train downtown and headed back to work, feeling more like a Baller than ever.
