#38- Graduation

Camille- roommate for life

Hard to put into words all that I am feeling today.  Today is the day I graduated from University of Colorado’s School of Medicine with my clinical doctorate degree in physical therapy. It’s been a long three years.  Most of those times filled will adventure, friendship and growth. I was stretched and pushed in every direction imaginable, but here I stand at the end of those three years and I am doing just that, standing.  I am beyond thankful for everyone who helped me get to this point today.  These people include my family, my closest friends and the students and faculty at the University of Colorado.  I could not have made it through without each of these people, as they all played such an integral part in my quest for scholarship of the highest degree available in my field.

I began this morning alone.  Quietly going through my morning routine with country music in the background. This music is comforting and familiar.  On a day like today, I find myself grasping to all that represents my standard routine.  Donning the dress that my mom bought me for graduation, I find myself looking in the mirror in awe of how grown-up I look compared to my graduation photos from college 5 years ago.  I toss necessary items into a bag and out the door I go to join my family for breakfast. 

My mom, dad and my uncle Will have made the journey to Denver to participate in the graduation festivities.  We stop and grab coffee and breakfast at Panera before we drive across town to my campus- a concrete jungle of a dozen buildings all focused on the art of healing. Upon arriving on campus, it seems as though time has stopped and a memory of when I showed my parents around my new campus on the day of graduation- three years before. Seems like eternity ago.

Today is windy. Flags flapping, hair blowing and tassels waving as candidates for graduation of various schools within the School of Medicine make their way to their perspective seats. We sit patiently waiting for our degrees to be confirmed.  Finally, we make our way across campus to the physical therapy specific graduation.  We line up, all scrambling to realign windblown hats, tassels and smooth our flustered tresses.  Various pictures are being taken as we quickly assemble into our predetermined order.  Then comes the ceremony! We stride two by two down the isle simultaneously trying to locate family members while attempting not to fall. 

The ceremony goes by quickly.  Our class president, Jennifer Keller delivers an eloquent speech providing us with lighthearted banter, advice for the future “to be agents of change” and poignant reflections on the past three years.  Amy Nordin-Craft followed with a speech focused on the ability to thrive in the ambiguity that is patient care, strive for excellence beyond what is expected and reiterated the notion of being change agents and leaders within in our field.

My advisor, Amy

Then one by one, each of my 62 classmates (largest class in the history of the program) were called to the stage to receive their diplomas, undergo the hooding process and take a picture with their academic advisor.  While this was taking place, Dr. B read background information on each individual, shared their gratitude and also their hopes/goals for the future.  Some have already found jobs. Some just wanted to pass their board exam to obtain a license.  While others have plans to travel abroad in the immediate future. When my name was called, I was so focused on not tripping up the stairs and squatting low enough for Amy to hood me, I forgot to listen to what Dr. B was reading about me.  It turns out I did not trip and it helps that Amy is at least three inches taller than me. Thankfully, my dad videoed my shining moment so I can share it with others who were unable to attend.  Following the ceremony, we had a reception where we were able to walk around and take pictures with each other.  I found it was hard to say goodbye to such wonderful professors, but thankful for the guidance and instruction they have provided the past three years.  Much like undergrad, its time to move on, spread my wings and find my own niche in the profession.

Faculty from my program

After all the picture taking was completed, we returned our gowns and hoods and said goodbye to campus one final time.  It was strange walking the halls in light of the diploma I was carrying in my hand.  Those study rooms were our homes for the first two years of our curriculum.  The marker boards were our canvas, in an attempt to memorize the vast amount of information demanded of us to be a doctor of physical therapy.  This campus represents the beginning, a foundation of knowledge that will continue to be built upon. In he past eight months, I have been blown away by how much we have learned in the clinic and how an understanding of the foundational principles was so necessary in order to begin to build the clinical knowledge.

My lovely parents

We left campus and went to City Park to celebrate with friends and family.  At one point, there were 14 graduates at the park with families in tow.  It was fun to meet parents and friends of my classmates; the ones I have heard so much about over the last few years.  We were able to enjoy the sunshine, laugh about old memories and continue to celebrate the dedication and hard work we have put in to get to this point.  It was at the park where I finally had a moment to appreciate all that has transpired since I moved to Denver.  This not only was a difficult three years due to the academic rigor of my program, but in part to spending 6 months dealing with complications from a knee surgery.  I had 4 surgeries in 5 months and was on crutches for just shy of seven total months.  I relied on friends for transportation, carrying objects, playing nurse/therapist/doctor and for the emotional support to get through those days.  It was in that moment in the park that I realized I have an incredible bunch of friends that I am forever grateful and excited to also call my colleagues.

Jenna, Bailey, Ben, Shane, Betty, Mike, Camille, Me, Becca, Porto, Alissa, Emily, Kelly, Tiffany

As the sun began to set and the last few friends mingled, we started saying goodbye.  For some people, I was saying goodbye for the unforeseeable future.  For others, it was a mere “see you soon” as I have plans to meet up with them later this summer. And as I walked away, I felt so blessed.  Blessed by all the family support I have received in the past three years.  Blessed by the hours I have been able to spend with such enjoyable people. And blessed to have spent three years in Denver CO.  This city has left its mark on me just like all the others.  And though Portland is calling me back home, I will always be proud to say I earned my doctorate degree at University of Colorado!

Dr. Jyndia S Schaible