Well, now it is time to walk across that stage. Seriously, is this going to be some life changing moment? At least that is what I’m asking myself as we are starting to line up. Jerry is first to go across the stage. Man, I’m so happy and proud of him. Jerry and I have become quick friends during my second tour. We played pickup basketball back in 95/96 at St. Paul’s Elementary on Earhardt with Tony Love in the “Love Dome”. Alex Bradley was next, she reminds me so much of Linda when we first met. You always know where you stand with her and you just don’t get that with people today. It was especially great because she’s getting married and I finally got to see Andy (even from a distance) outside of facebook pictures. They’re doing it right way for marriage. Whole nine yards with revisiting Lutheran teaching while going through marriage counseling. “Know what you believe and why you believe it” is what I always say. Alex and I talked a lot when it came to classes and gave each other advice on life as well. Senior Project was fun, I really think Alex amazed herself on the great job she did on her Senior Project. Yes, I actually read it twice.
Now, it is time for me to walk across that stage. My Concordia career flashes before my eyes and I’m almost in tears. Is it really over now? How do I feel about this? I’ll deal with that later there is work to do. I hand my card to Prof Brandon (ahh the times of CSd and Library from back in the day) or was it Prof Kalmes (Institutions). Either way I remember being complemented on my African stole that showed my heritage, but also God is my center with the Cross on it. I’m on stage now, and person who reads off the names announces me as “Ini-obong Ekong”. What about the first name you may ask, I only know you as Eric. Well, lets back track.
Probably in Graduation – part 2 I mentioned I phonetically spelled out my name. I concentrated on my middle name and last name. As I know exactly important it is during events/ceremonies like this that the name be said properly. Well, I saw no point in phonetically spelling “Eric”. Figured that could be said without any assistance from me. Back to our regularly schedule blog. :)
So, he announces “Ini-obong Ekong” and I take a step and stop. Waiting for him to correct himself, but I realize he has put the card away already. So, I continue on across the stage thinking to myself, my mother is going to kill him. Then I thought he nailed my middle name and last name. Something most people can’t do no matter how many times they are corrected. I shake hands with the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer and we share a chuckle about my first name being left out. I walk down the stage and their is my family for pictures to see their accomplished husband, son, and brother. They look so proud. They never doubted I would accomplish this goal, but they sure waited a long time.
I should explain why the family was so proud of me. Starting in May 2007, I took a full load of classes carrying anywhere between 14-16 credits each semester. All the while being very involved with church, coaching the 07-08 school year, working full time for Verizon Business, and managing to be a stay at home dad and hopefully a wonderful husband. I’ll leave that up to Linda to verify. I had to step away from some friends to get things accomplished and I had to manage my time like never before. Hey, it paid off. Deans List the last three semesters in two different colleges including a perfect 4.0
If it seems like I’m boasting, please believe it isn’t. I’m as just amazed as everyone else. Either I am as smart as my parents said I was or I’ve gotten to the point where I understand what is needed out of every class. I’ve question this of myself numerous times and it is only by fellow classmates assessments that I’m a better student now. Probably, had to do with my footing the bill this time around.
As I’m walking back to my seat I see all my friends who drove in for the event from all over the country. Ime from Florida, the Edens from Missouri, the Helds and Kluehs from Indiana, Jessica from Minnesota, and Grandma/Parents from Ohio. The Eden’s tried to surprise me, but technology tipped me off via a facebook notification. Nevertheless, I appreciate all of them traveling to see me take this next step.
Anyway, things were pretty much a blur from that point on until I watched Rebecca and Ben Ahlersmeyer go up for their walks across the stage. Just warmed my heart to watch Dr. T full of pride and joy as he shook his children’s hands as they received their bachelor’s degrees.
Time to walk out. Who is waiting me at the backdoor? My big brother for some more dap. Time to exhale because this is just a step on the long journey. We, took some family photos. On the walk back with Linda and Jocelyn we walked with Emeritus Allen who remembered me and wished me well on my journey. Even managed to ask how the District would get along with her not around. From there we ran into Prof. Klintworth, my very first instructor at Concordia. She took a minute to realize who she was talking to and then remembered me from all those years before. She as well congratulated me accomplishing the degree mentioned she knew I would do it once I set my mind to it. Finally, we ran into David and Jenna Szpara they are one of those unique couples that give Christian hopes of changing this post-modern world. Sneaky little devil got me strawberry starburst. There is an inside joke of me grabbing a handful when I would drop the kids off to Linda on my way to campus for class. Then it was off to Ponderosa in Plymouth, MI for a quick bite. Had to have my Ponderosa wings. Auntie Cookie showed up there and we ate. We were running late due to traffic and timing of the ceremony, but the open house has already started.
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