UCSB Commencement 2009

As most of you know, Justin became a college graduate last weekend. We were looking forward to graduation weekend for quite some time since we had a lot of family visiting and staying with us. After extensive apartment cleaning and a dozen loads of laundry, we prepared for our slumber party the night before graduation with Adena, Darryl and the Barton family. It was nice to have an apartment full of great company. We all managed to utilize our single bathroom to get ready the next morning and although we did not make it to campus as early as we had hoped, we managed. Darryl made sure to point out that Adena did a much better job at saving seats at his graduation!

Justin double majored in Physics and Mathematics and graduated with highest honors! Double majoring in subjects such as physics and math (in my opinion) deserve recognition in itself. I hated physics in college and could not imagine studying it the way Justin has in the past two years. The day before graduation, Justin was also selected by the Mathematics Department as an outstanding graduating senior. At the awards ceremony, his professor noted his success at UCSB, the never ending A+ grades on his transcript and his constant absence in his class. Because Justin double majored, he often had conflicting class schedules. He somehow managed to excel in both conflicting courses without having to attend each class regularly. For those who have watched or read Harry Potter, Hermione pulls this off!

Justin's graduation turned out to be a large family affair; and for that we are really grateful. We are so thankful that all family members made the long journey to Santa Barbara and would like those who attended to know how much we appreciate your time and efforts to support Justin at graduation. Even though our seats were unsatisfactory, Justin's uncle Dave managed to capture some great photos. Thank goodness because the rest of us (and our cameras) were not as successful at capturing the moment while Justin was on stage.

We are so proud of you Justin. Even though you claim you did not hear us cheering with pride, we were most definitely doing so. Looking down the row of family members, I could see and sense the pride everyone felt while we waited for your name to be called, as your name was being called, and well after the ending of the ceremony. You have excelled in two of the most difficult and complex subjects of studies and as you prepare for graduate school, we are all excited to see the magnitude of success that your future has in store for you. Your parents have always known of your academic abilities and your dad would have been so proud of your achievements.

We would like to dedicate Justin's graduation to all those who came to support him:

Justin's mom, Reesa and his brothers, Darryl and Ethan
The grandmothers, Betty Jo and KarenThe cousins, Stella, Randi, Sydney and RussThe Monshaw FamilyThe Barton FamilyOur friend Alex (and Trish)Adena and DarrylJustin, you are an inspiration. I hope to one day stop procrastinating and study as hard as you do! I can't wait to be a part of your future adventures!