Day -2: Graduation!

Today I graduated!  I got dressed at home and took some pictures.  At 3:00pm, my family and I left for the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC.  After much waiting, we began to line up.  Once in line–it takes a long time to line up two hundred students–we waited some more.  Finally, we began to proceed.

Getting dressed before I go

Walking down to the floor

Several speeches later, the name calling began.  Luckily, while there were many cheers for students, they were quick enough that everyone’s name could be heard.  It took a while, but we all received our diplomas.  Afterwards, I saw that Halle, Emily, Justin, and Mrs. Sharon came out to support me, awesome!

Receiving my diploma

Everyone celebrates

My diploma

My parents and I

For dinner, we ate at P.F. Chang’s, which was very good.  I also managed to eat the whole meal using the chopsticks without much difficulty, although the rice was a bit difficult.  This practice ought to give me a leg up when I find myself without the option of using traditional silverware. Back at home we had cake, and my mom gave me a graduation edition of Curious George, which I made sure to read to the whole family.

Reading "Curious You" to everyone

I leave in about 39 hours, so I am getting quite excited, as well as a bit nervous!  I haven’t even left the country yet, and I am already getting a feeling for the craziness out there.  Greg has warned me, “Once at the hotel they will inspect your car, bags and maybe you if they think you are shady.  i.e. a dog will sniff your car externally and maybe your bags and maybe you.”  Apparently there are about ten guards, but they have good English and I have to “just B.S. with them.”  This will be quite the adventure!