Entry 5 - Graduation Day Pt. 2

May 2nd, 2025

Previously, in Entry 4, I communicated my preparation for graduation. Here is the aftermath.

Arriving at Florida Atlantic University around 4 PM, I was separated to receive a calling card for the announcer to read my name. They warned us to write out our names phonetically, and I tried my hardest as I have been called by "Andres, Andrew, AN-dre," and so on. I put (Anhk, Drake, Oar, Nelson, and Last)...

In hindsight, I believe I set myself up.

After getting the card, I tried to find anyone I knew 6 months ago when I was physically at school. I had done my last two credits online to attempt to assimilate into living in Massachusetts, starting the year fresh. I have little to no regrets in that regard. I felt a little lonely, but I still talked to those around me, congratulating those who graduated with me, and so on.

Then it was time to be seated, the crowd cheered us on, and I found my parents in the middle of the seats. I gave a wave, and we progressed into the ceremony.

After a few speeches, it was finally time to receive my certificate.

"And-RA OrNEALAS"

I held a little laugh, knowing my name was said wrong, and accepted that I was finally done with school, and this was not going to ruin my parade. Others in my row told me they said their names wrong, and we laughed after the ceremony. Interestingly enough, I was expecting to be one of the middle or last in the line, due to my last name being in the O category. I was among the first to get my diploma, since my first name was in the A category. As I was seated, a thought came to me:

I am not considered normal, so why would my graduation be?

When I graduated from high school, an awkward situation happened where I missed my principal's handshake, so this was not a new occurrence. Nonetheless, I was done with school and continued, laughing and happy to be alive.

We got home and I prepared a small charcuterie board, ordered pizza, and waited for friends and family to arrive. The night went out with a bang. We prayed together, had meaningful conversations on what was next for me, and ended the night with people leaving with leftovers and good memories.

I went to bed around midnight and woke up around 8 AM.

And now for the present:

The house was a little empty. I said bye to an aunt staying with us as she headed to the airport with my father, and the house became empty. I heated some pizza from last night, watched cartoons, and headed upstairs to work on the portfolio. Now we are at the time when I am writing this entry.

Today is my first day as a full-fledged adult with spare time. What will I do today?

I'm... not too sure.

Regardless, here are some things I know I want to do for the month:

1. Read all of Hebrews

2. Read Jurassic Park

3. Create a schedule for content creation

4. Apply to as many companies as I can

5. Work on personal finances

6. Lose 10 more pounds and begin to assimilate to work out culture (in the sense of actually going to the gym and getting gains for the sake of health, improved confidence, and a force to help those in need of physical labor)

That's all for now, till then!

Andrezinho