Go Brooke!
Typical maybe but I got to see my little sister Brooke join
me as an Aztec Alumni. After a lot of
long night- rough days- great memories she became an alumni. I like to think I had a large role in Brooke
choosing San Diego State. In reality it
was probably just so she could get more playing time then me and prove that she
was the more athletic one. I may have
been a small part in her decision to attend San Diego State but I can tell you
I hold a place in her heart and many memories from college.
I realize we are very lucky. Not many siblings get to
experience all that we have. If you are
a normal reader of my blog you have gotten a small glimpse into what we
experienced together through our time in SD.
I would not change any of it.
Living with Brooke was awesome even if she can only cook one meal. And never had the money to pay her bills-
luckily her big sister is a saver. As
her boyfriend Nik always says "Break a $5 Jamie, Break a $5." Nik if you’re reading this- good luck
breaking all your $5!
I picked up Grandpa early Saturday morning and we headed the
30 miles to SDSU to enjoy graduation.
Once arriving we found Brooke. I can remember moving her into the dorm
so it was exciting to be standing in front of the athletic center watching her
get into the (ugly) graduation attire.
While she was putting on the gown I noticed it had the sleeves like mine
did for my masters. Since Brooke was
graduating from college- I had to ask.
She replied I thought that was weird but this is what they gave me. I of course immediately thought dang I spent
another 2 years in school- all my life saving, took out student loans just to
wear it and only my sister Brooke would just get it handed to her. Luckily they did not also give her the hood
(aka cape). Needless to say it made me
laugh!
The ceremony was nice we had surprisingly good seats not too
far from Brooke. She was easy to spot
with that blonde hair. Then it would
begin speaker after speaker. I have to
say she had a few good speakers. One guy
who received an honor PHD was an alumnus from a long long time ago. Honestly I cannot remember when he graduated-
but he has done a lot. Served our country and climbed the corporate
ladder. His speech was great! He gave ten points- I wish I could remember
them all. But he told it
truthfully. That we need to be involved
in our community- volunteer. That we
need to take control go out and vote. Family and friends are a great thing and
appreciate them. It was refreshing to hear.
Can you find Brooke?
One of the other speakers who I enjoyed was much more
graduation like. I really only liked
this speaker because he reminded the graduates that this journey was not just
about them. That many people helped them
along the way. Remember to thank these
people. At this point my mom patted me
on the back and told me I had done a good job. In this moment I was really
proud. There had been some rough moments
for us both through college. However Brooke was coming out on top. She finished in 4 and half years while being
a dual sport athlete. What an
accomplishment.
Finally they got to the crazy part of calling all the
names. There must have been over 2,000
students from the different major’s graduating with Brooke. Of course Brooke was probably one of the last
200 hundred to walk. We waited over an
hour to get to Brooke. While waiting for
Brooke many people had walked across already thus their families headed
out. Since I wanted the best video and
pictures Nik and I headed to get as close as we could. It was great we got right up at the
front. Finally Brooke headed across the
stage to become an official college graduate.
After graduation we headed over to the pool for pictures. I
mean everyone else heads into campus- but as a dual athlete all Brooke’s time
was spent at the pool. I only wished I
had thought of that when I graduated.
After getting a bunch of great photos with Brooke- mom-dad and me.
Mikayla and Sean did not come for the ceremony.
Then some great photos of Brooke and Nik. As well as pictures with grandpa. The main
reason Brooke and I did not starve through college.
Many hours spent at this pool...
I guess our family creates tradition without even knowing. We headed into downtown San Diego to the same
restaurant we eat at for my graduation.
We had a great time hanging out with everyone. Like normal talking about a ton of fun
memories. Brooke also mentioned how
walking at graduation finally made it seem real. Since she finished in December then just started
working it never felt complete. So
graduation made it feel real and complete.
Congratulations Brooke Elizabeth Vessey. I can’t explain how
proud you have made me over the last few years. It is an honor to call you a
fellow Aztec Alumni. But more than that
it was amazing to be your sister, roommate, teammate and coach while you got
your degree. Thank you for all the great
times. Congratulations on all you
accomplished- I am so proud of you!!
Congratulations!!!
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