#38 - Finish my B.A. in Poli Sci

Four years ago I moved to Victoria because I needed to escape Calgary. Why I escaped is something only a select few people know, but nevertheless I needed to move and start over again. I had already been in school for 3 years, taking random courses because I had no idea what I wanted to do nor did I have the motivation to figure it out.

When I arrived in Victoria, I went to Camosun for a year because I didn't know what to do with myself. The 2006-2007 year was horrible in terms of school and trying to meet new people. With the exception of one person in my French class, I hadn't met anybody else. By 2007, I was at UVic, determined to figure out what I wanted to take in school. I was stuck between wanting to do languages and doing Poli Sci (as I had always mentioned to my parents.) Before the summer of 2007, my parents asked the dreaded question - "when are you going to graduate?" Unable to answer it, I just picked a year - "oh, I should be graduating by 2010." WTF, I thought, you have no idea if that's when you're graduating. But the pressure from my parents finally made me choose: Poli Sci would be my degree.

I had 2 years to fit in as many courses as I could to graduate on time: 5 courses for the Fall 08 semester, 4 for Winter 09, 2 for Summer 09, 5 for Fall 09, and just recently 5 for Winter 10. 22 classes in 18 months = stressed out like fuck! However, regardless of the amount of stress I had to endure, they were the best 18 months ever. I discovered my love for political economy and international development, I met an incredible group of people who I adore and appreciate, and I had some of the most amazing poli sci classes (with the greatest profs.) Yesterday (the 24th) was my last final and walking out knowing that I was finished was so surreal. Today, I'm sitting here with a huge smile on my face because I'm finally done! In 2003, I never would have thought that I would be in Victoria finishing my degree because I was such a lost little girl. Thankfully, that's over now.

And now, for the challenging part. After 4 years of being in Victoria, of becoming a different (for the better) person and realizing my potential, it will all come to an end soon when I move. My exact moving day is still unclear, but I may be gone for sure by August 1st. It's bittersweet knowing that I have to move soon - I love everyone I know, but I'm ready for a new experience.

With that, I tell all of my friends "thank you"! Thank you for being there, for your support, for the fun times, for the stupid, crazy times, and whatever else! I love you all dearly. And cheers to what is going to be an amazing summer!

Much love,
Celenia.