Graduation!

In April, I made the trip with my family to Utah so I could walk in my graduation. I came to BYU as a freshman in August 2003 and left April 2006 as a junior, married, and three months pregnant. But I was grateful that BYU offered a program for people in my situation: the Bachelor of General Studies program. You can finish what you started at BYU through Independent Study. Because I live in California and have two little girls at home, this was the perfect option for me. If you have at least 30 credits worth of residence hours at BYU, you are eligible. You have to wait two years after leaving BYU to apply for the program then you have eight years to complete it. I had 72 resident hours before I left, so that made it easier for me to complete the program in two years. So four years after I left BYU, I graduated!

The program offers eight different emphases: American Studies, English and American Literature, Family History, Family Life, History, Management, Psychology, and Writing. Before I left BYU, I was studying English language and editing, so I chose the writing emphasis.

I loved all the classes I took through Independent Study. My favorite was the creative nonfiction writing class where I learned how to write essays.

What will I do with my degree now? What I've already been doing, but with more direction. I love writing, and I am currently sending out essays to literary journals. Books are probably on the horizon, but for now I'm focusing on my essays.

I'm grateful for my family for their support of my endeavor. My husband was always encouraging (and he still is) and my parents were always willing to watch my girls while I worked on homework.

I have to admit that I'm a little sad my undergrad degree is finished. I loved school: the reading assignments, the tests, the homework. Once I became a mother, I became a better student. The added responsibility of motherhood inspired me to be more responsible in other areas of my life. For now, I do not plan on pursuing a master's degree, but I know the opportunity is there if I do want to take it.

If you would like to learn more about BYU's Bachelor of General Studies program, I am happy to answer any questions!

See all the pictures at my Facebook Album