Today, I walked for my associates of arts in business from the University of Phoenix. I have always wanted to go back to college and finish with my batchelors or possibly a masters degree. I just never knew if I could afford it, or if I would have the time to do school full time and work full time. But, one evening back in September of 2006, I attended the womens conference broadcast at my stake. After listening to the talks that were given at the conference, President Monson gave the final talk at the broadcast. In his talk, he said something that hit me so hard that it literally pushed my body back against the bench that I was sitting on in the chapel. In president Monson's talk, he encouraged every woman that was in attendance to get her education and to get as much of it as she could. So that she was prepared just in case if she was to never marry, or if her husband is laid off from his job, or if she becomes widowed, or single with children that she can provide for her and her family. Well, those words hit and I felt the spirit so strong on that message that in the summer of 2007, I clicked onto University of Phoenix online and put in my information to be contacted. Well, at first, they did contact me, during the day when I was at work. Then, they called again and my mother answered the phone and told them when I would be home to discuss enrolling at their university. Well, they did not listen and I ended up giving up on the university. Well, a friend of mine that I knew from the singles ward happened to get hired at the university's campus here in Richmond. Joe was an enrollment counselor and was looking at people that were interested in enrolling at one time and came across my name. At first, he said "no way, is this the Melissa that I know from the singles ward from a couple of years ago?" Well, Joe had my cell number in his cell, and when he looked at my number on his cell phone and on the information screen at his work, he immediately sent me an email and asked if I was still interested. I called him and told him that I was but, that I had problems with the university contacting me during the day instead of in the evening when I was home. Joe then arranged for me to meet with him to discuss the possibility of me attending the university. I met with Joe in early October of 2007 and was enrolled and attending classes at the end of October 2007. Well, this is were I am today. Unfortunately, Joe left the university last August, got married and moved back to Utah. I ended up with Sonali Young as my enrollment counselor. Well, she kept me going and ended up graduating with me with her associates in physicology. I am grateful for Joe and for president Monson's talk, I am also grateful for my family my friends, and Sonali for their love and support.
Me walking at the beginning of the processional. I was posing for my mothers camera and the picture never came out. Luckily, my brother took this picture.
Me after walking across the stage to receive my diploma. I was headed back towards my seat when my brother took this picture.
Me and my enrollment counselor, Sonali Young.
My family. Annmarie, Toni and her family were not able to make it.
Me posing in front of the university's banner.
Me walking at the beginning of the processional. I was posing for my mothers camera and the picture never came out. Luckily, my brother took this picture.
Me after walking across the stage to receive my diploma. I was headed back towards my seat when my brother took this picture.
Me and my enrollment counselor, Sonali Young.
My family. Annmarie, Toni and her family were not able to make it.
Me posing in front of the university's banner.
