Jared Graduated with His Masters in Mechanical Engineering!

The long-awaited event happened on Friday, May 4th. To say we were excited is probably an understatement. I feel like such a bad wife to take so long to post about Jared's achievement. I am so proud of him! He has worked so hard, putting in LONG, tough hours of studying and research.

Jared was done with classes at the time of graduation, but he still had research to complete and a thesis to write and defend. But knowing that Jared wouldn't have to take another course was thrilling and definitely worth celebrating!

At first, Jared wasn't sure he would want to walk at commencement. I told him that he should because getting his masters is a huge achievement. I'm so glad that he decided to walk. It was wonderful seeing his huge smile and joy throughout the night. I'm pretty sure I teared up a little just because I knew he was so happy. If you know me and my family, that shouldn't be a surprise. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to sense his excitement in the pictures below. As always, there are several. They capture the whole evening.

Jared and his office mates, Gargeyi Baipa and Kris Kilhoffer, before the ceremony.

They all did research for Dr. Good.

I was so nervous that I was going to miss when Jared entered during the procession. My sister was going to be coming, but hadn't gotten there, yet. I was holding Rachel, who wanted to play with the camera, and was scolding Allie for playing on the stairs. I had to watch her like a hawk. The stairs were steep, and I was afraid she was going to fall and get hurt. But luckily I spotted Jared as he entered. The pictures of him walking in are blurry, so I won't share those. Maria arrived shortly after Jared got to his seat, so she took the girls and I got to take some pictures. I felt bad, though, because Rachel had a stinky diaper and Allie needed to go potty. I knew this from when we first got our seats, but I couldn't leave the seats because I didn't want anyone to steal them. So when Maria showed up and said she'd take the girls, I very gratefully and apologetically let her take them to the bathroom. Thank you, Maria, for your help!

Jared, just having entered and spotting us.

Taking a picture of him while he was taking a picture of us.

My very handsome husband!

We were so grateful for the support of Maria, her then boyfriend Jon, and her kids who came to support Jared and celebrate with us. The pictures below were taken during the keynote speaker, who gave a speech that was less than inspiring or entertaining, or anything you might hope a commencement address would be.

Breya, Jon, Maria
Rachel, Bella

Nathen

 Jared during the speech.

Jared was sitting four rows from the back of the arena. So it took a long time to get to him. But his turn finally came.

Jared, Gargeyi, and Kris on their way to the front.

Jared asking the others, "Who wants to go first?"

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They let Jared lead the way. Here he is getting his diploma folder.

Look at his smile! I'm so proud of him!!

Gargeyi getting her folder.

At the end, they sang the alma mater and did the "O S U" with their arms.

Jared, Gargeyi, and Kris forming the "O."

After the ceremony, the three friends and colleagues got a picture with their advisor, Dr. Good.

Jared, Kris, Dr. Good, and Gargeyi

Then we met Jared outside. I was so happy for Jared! We gave each other a huge hug and kiss.

We did it!

Our family

Our whole group

Jon, Jared, Nikki
Maria, Nathen, Allie, Rachel
Bella, Breya

 On the way home we took a few more pictures.

  

We had some ice cream and let the kids have a little time together after the ceremony. It was a pretty quick celebration, though, because Maria's kids had to get back to their dad's house. But we all had a good time, and it was wonderful getting to celebrate Jared's wonderful achievement.

Breya and Allie playing on Blaze the horse



The almost two years of Jared's masters program was grueling. Their were some really difficult times. At the beginning, their were doubts of whether Jared had made the right choice of entering the program. However, we prayed a lot about it, and Jared changed his focus of studies, and we came to know that it was right. It was still a challenging program, but Jared did wonderfully. I really am so proud of Jared for not giving up. I love you, honey!