So I graduated...

This year marks a milestone for me, I graduated from SMU with two majors and a minor. Last Saturday, May 19, 2007, I walked the stage in front of the Owens Fine Arts Center and was handed a diploma from the Meadows School of the Arts. All of my family and friends have been telling me this is a huge feat and I know that, but honestly the diploma, the degree means little compared to the lessons I have learned in the last four years. SMU has not only offered me one of the finest educations in the nation but it has enabled to grow into the person I am today.

The lessons I have learned in college are priceless, especially this last year, senior year. I have made amazing new friendships, lost some old ones, discovered what keeps me going and how much my family really does mean to me. You see, I am not a first generation American, I didn't even become an American citizen until I was 13 but growing up here in the US, I always wanted to go to college. My mom and dad understood that and sacrificed everything to get me to there, to pay for my tuition, my apartment and sorority.

I remember as a freshman, my mom one day decided to sell her Lexus SUV to help pay for my SMU, at the time I was speechless, I got it, but I didn't. You see my education was more important than a car, my dream was more important than a label.

The American Dream was what mattered most to my mom, my American dream and my family's American dream: to graduate from an American University and I did it! I am the first in my family to do this and it feels so surreal. I didn't do it alone, so I want to say thank you to everyone who helped me make it; yall know who you are.

But anyways, speaking of the fine education SMU offered me, I received the neatest advice during the ceremony from our new dean, Dean Bowen. He started off with the very cliche advice of practice, practice, practice in order to get to Carnegie Hall. Of course this is great advice, but I've heard it many times from my mom, Linda and Gigi but it was this next thing that hit home.

Mr Bowen said practice is one thing, a social support network is necessary but honesty is the third. Self honesty that is. And it was like "duh," a light bulb totally went off.

As artists, as creative minds our "art" is on display. Whether you are writing, composing, painting or dancing, it is open to praise and criticism, and criticism hurts but its what makes you grow, evolve and create the best work you can. So self honesty is probably the main ingredient because you are your own worst critic. You have to be realistic, open to change but never loose faith in yourself. Well that just sounds impossible.

So, in order to be a successful artist, you have to one never loose faith in yourself but also have self honesty? How so? Well practice for one and that whole social support thing is vital. Everyone needs cheerleaders, encouragers and those people who just tell ya to shut-up and get the job done. So, Dean Bowen thanks for those final words of wisdom.