🎓 Finally, a graduate

Some of you know that I took the unconventional route of getting a full-time job in my dream career before finishing my degree.

Well, finally, seven years later, today I graduated. Working in news was hard enough, but balancing school and life proved to be a challenge, so I slowed my courseload down.

I am so proud to be an alumnus of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Finally 🎉

At first, I was embarrassed that it took me this long, but I’ve come to realize I need to embrace it. I wouldn’t change what I did.

At KELOLAND, I got the education of a lifetime for television. I had the chance to work on-air and behind the scenes, learning how to do almost every industry job. It led me to my dream job — to work in Chicago for those famous call letters — WGN.

This is kind of full circle for me because 13 years ago, I got a letter from ASU Cronkite sent to my middle school to convince me to consider going there. I didn’t go at first, but I’m glad it’s where I finished.

I’m so grateful for the many people who mentored me and pushed me to finish. Going to ASU was thanks to Starbucks and the incredible College Achievement Plan benefit. It’s why I woke up early to make coffee at Starbucks, then go to work. This fantastic company paid for much of my ASU experience, and I was so #ProudToBeAPartner.

I took the day off work to watch the virtual commencement and pop some champagne, but it’s back to work tomorrow. Need to pay off these student loans!