Last Day of School!!!

Hardly seems like it was just six weeks ago that Joy headed off for her first day of school. Now, 50 days, 24 trips to Athens, too many tests to count, a couple of papers a project and an oral exam covering more information than any person should be forced to learn, the last day of school has arrived! I think you can tell by the smile on her face that today is a great day.

The hardest part, her oral exam, is already over. She passed it yesterday with flying colors. One more final exam today and she will be DONE. Well, sort of. In an ironic twist of fate, because Joy was not an undergraduate education major and despite her three years of teaching she does not have her teacher's certification. So, even though with her graduate work complete (which is actually a higher level of certification), she has to complete a couple of minor things this fall to get her basic teacher's certification before she can receive her degree. Seems stupid to me, because it is like passing all of the tests to get a driver's license but not being able to do it because you didn't have a learner's permit. But that's just the way it is. It actually works out better for Joy, because now she gets to have two celebrations!

I have been very proud of Joy this summer. She has worked her butt off and sacrificed a lot in order to complete her school work. She's studied longer and harder than I ever would have thought possible, and it has paid off. I'd be remiss not to thank our great friend Wes, who was also completing his graduate work this summer. Wes and Joy have carpooled all summer (saving a little gas money), and studied together every week. Congratulations are in order for both of them!

Way to go babe...I am so proud of you!