At 7pm on Monday, June 15th, 2009, I got two more letters for my name. I already had B.A., and E.C.E., and now I was getting E.A.. Combined, these letters make me look much more distinguished than I really am (Christine Pastrak, B.A., E.A., E.C.E. .... there's a clear lack of "M.A." and "Phd". Just give be some time....), but I'm pretty proud of each letter there. Each set defines a different part of my life, and each set shows the world what I am capable of.
There were over 80 graduates at Monday's ceremony. That may not seem like a lot, especially considering my McMaster graduation presented over 150 diplomas! But for the four or five programs in the Human Services Faculty of Mohawk College, 80 graduates plus two to three of their guests in the Mohawk auditorium provided for a standing room only event. The important speeches were made by the important people (VP's, Chairmen, the President, Alumni guest speaker, and so on) and then they presented the diplomas. Luckily, they moved through the 80+ of us pretty quickly. Best of all, no one fell on stage (trust me, I was waiting for this to happen... some of the shoes (outfits) people wore were ridiculous, and not very practical at all. I began to wonder when Mohawk started offering a program in walking in hooker shoes. I bet it's a certificate program....).
Right after the diploma presentation (which a bunch of rude people rudely talked through the ENTIRE time!), they announced that it was time to present the prestigious College Medals. To be awarded one of these medals (on bronze, sliver, and gold levels), students must be nominated by one of their program faculty members. In order to be considered for nomination, students must meet a list of criteria, most importantly academic achievement, college involvement, community involvement, and promotion and acceptance of diversity. There were 35 nominations this year, but only two recipients. Both were from a program in only its second year at the college. One was a silver medal to my friend and colleague Katy Hagar. She's truly an inspiration both inside and outside of the classroom. Her passion for assisting the special needs community in schools is exemplary! The second medal awarded was a bronze medal, and also given to an Educational Assistant grad. The recipient was beside herself when her named was called after the reading of her introduction. In fact, they had to call her twice. "Christine Pastrak, could you please come up on stage to receive your award". Ummm.. no, I actually can't. I'm unable to stop shaking at the moment. "Christine, you have to go up there!" said my next seat neighbor, Cori. Dear Cori, thank you for pulling me up and out of my seat and pointing me in the right direction
So eventually I did make it up on stage, where magically my father was there to take a picture of me with the president and my humongous award (I actually mean humongous.... it is a letter with the medal in the medal in the middle, and all inside a large official Mohawk college frame. Tres chic!). Then I had to sit on stage right next to the important people! And then, after the final speeches were made, I had to walk WITH the important people off stage! It was so overwhelming and exciting at the same time. And I did learn one thing out of all of this: I'll never make it as a famous person (I like to think I'd be a famous person at the Grammy's if ever this were to happen....). Why? Well, I didn't even have to deliver a speech or remember anything other than right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot, and I was STILL like a deer caught in headlights! No, the famous life will not be for me!
After the concluding procession, Katy and I were swayed off into paparazzi land where our photo's were taken with the president and other "important people". I didn't even get to see my family until a half hour following the conclusion of the ceremony!
In the moment, I couldn't really think about anything that was happening, except for, of course, "don't fall, don't fall, don't fall". When I got home and sat down and actually looked at my award, I was able to reflect on it's significance to me. I worked extremely hard for that (mind you with out the deliberate intention of earning it. I worked hard, and as a result had been rewarded). I maintained a 95% average throughout my entire course of studies in this program. I worked 3 jobs throughout the entire course of this program. I spent an entire summer working with (I called it studying in real life) children with various exceptionalities at camp. I tired my best to encourage my college peers, as well as the students I encountered at placement. Coming from sociology, promoting diversity and acceptance is something that permeates me and my philosophy on life and living, and I truly believe I bring that everywhere I go, including my placements and college. I tutored and mentored four first year students (combined) over the last year, and managed to take care of myself through training for Around the Bay. My aim here is not to brag or come across as self-indlugent. I don't need that junk to make myself feel valid (my family [mainly my sister] and friends validate me just fine, and that's truly all I really need). Still, even I did not quite recognize how much I had done over the last two years in order to earn such a high and distinguished accolade. I am very proud of myself, and I don't think it is selfish to say that. I can see the differences having pride in oneself produce. When a student at Parkview has success with something they do and their pride increases, visible differences in self-esteem and productivity are greatly noticeable. Same with me. I'm pretty sure I went to sleep with a smile on my face Monday night, and woke up still smiling.
(p.s. I'm hoping to post a picture of my award, along with a copy of the introduction they wrote about me. Eventually)
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Now playing: The Smashing Pumpkins - To Sheila
via FoxyTunes
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