I took my first class at Penn State on April 29, 2002. I took my last class August 27, 2005. I received my diploma back in September or October of ’05. Last Sunday, I went to a brunch where I was honored with a certificate of academic achievement for getting a 4.0 GPA. And all of that pales in comparsion to how nervous I feel today, when I finally commence at a ceremony at 7:00 tonight.

Realistically? I don’t even have to go. I already have the diploma. I’ve already been honored for my achievements. It’s just pomp and circumstance. My sister talked me into doing it, because she likes pomp and circumstance.

But there is something to be said for real closure – the feeling that this is done, it can be put away now, and there are other things to do. And after today I can say without any doubt that I am a Master of Software Engineering, which has a pretty hefty ring to it.

That’s kind of cool.