Introducing, Patricia VanDusseldorp, BSW

I have collectively been a college student for about eight years. From the time I graduated high school in August, 2003, to the time I graduated college in May, 2014 a lot has changed in my life. Over the ten year span I have gotten married, raised two children, purchased a home, and graduated from college! I am certainly proud to say that I am a college graduate. I enjoyed the experience and opportunities, but it was never, never easy! 

From Journalism; to Photojournalism; to Photography; to Nursing; to Physical Therapy; and on to Social Work, I would say that I've had a very well-rounded college experience! I have learned a lot over the years and while I wish I had the degrees to prove the hard work, you really can't put a price on the knowledge and experiences that I have gained. 

These were the ladies that were also interns at Jewish Family Service.

This was about all that I could see from my seat at the ceremony--a sea of blue hats and the Tivoli!

I didn't do this on my own! My parents have always been incredibly supportive throughout my indecisive college career! No matter what field I was studying in, they were genuinely interested and supportive of my efforts. I am truly grateful for instilling in me, the value and importance of a college education. 

 And none of this would have been possible without my supportive husband, Nathan. Through countless study hours and late-night papers, Nathan has helped me to get through the years of hard-work and has been incredibly encouraging. He has also worked very, very hard to support my efforts by working to make up for the income that I wasn't able to bring in during my time in school, especially during my internship. 

The girls also deserve a "Thank You!" They were always very patient and understanding when I couldn't play because I had to study. I would never, never suggest going to college while raising two young children. It forces you to spread yourself too thin; your unable to dedicate yourself fully to any one thing and it creates a distance between yourself and the things that matter. 

 I hope to make it up to them! 

Mom ordered this amazing cake from a German bakery!

Michael wasn't able to attend the ceremony, but was able to join us for the celebration afterwards. We celebrated Michael's graduation three weeks later!

It was a wonderful, emotional, and fulfilling day. I had been waiting a long time to walk across the stage and am proud to say that I did. We celebrated with family after the ceremony at The Old Mill. 

And now I will rest, knowing that I can officially sign my name

Patricia VanDusseldorp, BSW