Hello friends!
First I graduated!!! Pretty cool right?
Before I get into any of the amazing things that have happened this past weekend (that will come in the next blog), I want to thank the village that raised me. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child and while this is true, I look back and think that was a big village that raised me.
So the first “villagers” are the people who spent this weekend with me. Mom and Dad- you rock! I cannot put into words the thanks you deserve so I will leave it at I would be nowhere and be nothing without you. Aunt Carol- you have been my cheerleader through and through and I love you. Mary, Cathy and Ms. Betty- you may not have been there since birth but I cant remember my life without you. Thanks for always being in my corner. And to Bobby- you have been my best friend since your day 1. Fathead, I wish you could have been here but you know you have to graduate one day too.
My next “villagers” are my Baltimore crew. Powderhorn, Loch Raven High, Valley Gators, my friends, my neighbors and my extended family- you taught me to smile, to laugh, to lax, to swim, to coach, but most importantly you taught me to love just “going home”. I thank you. The beach crew or better known as the Phillips pals (just came up with that and I hope you like it- psquared for short). You all know that you mean the world to me and make me smile daily. My life wouldn’t be the same without you. My Sailsbury clan; Penny and Sandy- thank you for your support over the years from dinners at Backstreet to doll camp I have loved it all and you even more.
There is a huge group that I haven’t gotten to. The group that has changed my life, helped my find my passion and had a blast through it all. That group would be my RoCo family. To my friends and sorority sisters- Thanks for the great times. To Jimmy, my best friend- thanks for the laughs, the service fun, beach trip and all the ciders in between. Although distance may separate us nothing with separate our friendship. Julia and KB- guys it was a blast. Thanks for the beautiful memories. Janey- I love you. We both may travel the world but I will always come home to you, my friend.
My first advisor, Professor Rosti- you helped me through one of the toughest times in my life. I wasn’t happy and I was freaked out but you pushed me to love Roanoke. And you were right. I owe my love of service to you, who forced me to go and serve in this community. I owe you the world. Dr Anderson- my advisor who was more of a friend then anything. I will miss our long talks and discussions of the world. Your passion for life is something I aspire to hold one day. So thank you. Professor Gibbs- you reminded me to love the business program that I often neglected. You reminded me that indeed my degree would matter. To Rev Paul, Jesse, Kathy, Chap Chris and the rest of the Chaplains office- My time at Roanoke would be very different without your influence. I would have never found Central America. I mean I could have probably spotted it on a map but never found it in my heart. My love for God and others grew because of your influence. I love you all! Thank you.
To every person that I have met in life, you have played and integral in my life. I thank you for propelling me through this crazy thing called life and playing a part of who I am today. So while everyone is congratulating me on graduating I vote that the shout outs go to this big village that raised me. I owe it all to you so have a drink on me!
XOXO,
Mols
P.S. I am 3% funded and couldn’t be more thankful. That number will go up due to the fact that every graduation gift will go directly to my trip. If you feel compelled to give feel free to “support me”. Fundraising letters are coming soon so keep and eye out. Blessings and a big thanks for all of you.
