Medical School Graduation - the graduation of all graduations.

I confess.

I didn't walk on graduation day in undergrad at UW-Madison.

I didn't walk on graduation day in Graduate School for my PhD.

I didn't walk on graduation day in Medical School for my MD.

My brother didn't walk on graduation from Michigan Tech.

In doing this, I feel like I am letting down the tradition of putting on the cap and gown for the recognition of earning your degree. Perhaps I'm creating a new tradition?

For our family graduations, we trade the financial overhead of renting the cap and gown and swap it for dinner and drinks or travel with family. These events have been such a blessing and a rich addition to our memories. We laugh of the mischief that ensued on my brother's graduation - and his sleepy grin in the family picture of him (in Haus or Erik's cap and gown) and my family, posing for graduation photos. In similar fashion, I borrowed my classmates gown and snapped a few photos in her front yard with my loves.

For my medical school graduation, I was traveling and snuggling with my boys on international adventures. We paid for half of their plane ticket by forgoing the event. While I have a tinge of regret for missing the ceremony, I will cherish our travel experiences forever. The additional days of snuggles will fuel me in the upcoming year of long days and long nights. My education is for me as much as it is for my family. By savoring the time with my husband, parents, and children, I show them that they are the fuel for my endurance.

For some students, the walking across the stage is the pinnacle and height of their journey. I admire and respect that tradition.

For me, it's the journey, just the journey, that makes this all worth it. My formal degree will come in the mail, just like the ones before it, and the memories will last forever.

Medical School Graduation

Medical School Graduation - the graduation of all graduations.

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