Falling in Love in Graduate School: A Photo Recap

With our commencement ceremony just a few days away, I got to thinking this weekend about the past five years of graduate school. I generally try to avoid thinking about this because it at times causes a post-traumatic stress reaction, but since avoidance is part of the problem, I tired to willingly embrace the memories (yes, going a little ACT on you). Of course, not all of graduate school was traumatic. In fact, much of it was stimulating, challenging, and even, yes, rewarding. And perhaps the most rewarding thing to come out of graduate school is the friends that I made along the way (and meeting my husband of course!). Yes, you figured it out - this is to be a mushy post. You may want to quit now if you aren't fond of the "we'll be BFFs always!!!!!" and kumbaya type of entry. But if you are, I'm sharing some photos I've dug up (electronically, of course) highlighting the (friendship) road to the doctorate...

This was on the night of my 21st birthday at the end of first year. I had to go the entire year without drinking!!!! (read with sarcasm) We were waiting until midnight to go out. I don't think Shannon made it ;-) 

So many nights spent at the Hofbrahaus. We could always count on John as a partner in crime. 

The good old APAGS Halloween Party. Could always be counted on for inexplicable drama. 

The Holiday Party was one of my favorite events. Professors chugging from flasks in the bathroom just can't really be topped. Oh wait, it can when they then start dancing. 

I cannot believe Shannon wore the controversial t-shirt to the Reds game. Well, maybe I can. 

Again at Hofbra - this time with my then future-husband in tow. He's always been our favorite sixth wheel!

After our second year we received our Master's, which was unfortunately kind of anti-climactic. We were back in class three days later. However, it was still a reason to celebrate. Mmmm, Montgomery Inn!

Mulligan's on St. Patrick's Day - pretty much the best holiday ever celebrated. 

APAGS Summer Party at Dr. Hellkamp's 

After much talk, we finally planned and took our much anticipated trip to Vegas. This photo is from an evening I call "The Best Night of My Life." That's about all I can tell you. 

And then the wedding festivities began, and I was so grateful to have these girls with me every step of the way! First up, the Couples Shower Tequila Shot. Doesn't everyone do that?

Then the Bachelorette Party!

And then a pre-wedding Obama Rally ;-) 

And finally, the Wedding Day. I was so thrilled to have these ladies by my side. This deserves a few pictures... First, my loves with my love.

Pre-Wedding, Post-Shot @ MLTs

Mid-Wedding

And Post-Wedding - perhaps my favorite picture ever. 

So thank you to my girls for your support, humor, and love over the past five years. I could not have done it without you. 

Love,

Ashley