 |
Having done very little except STUDY for the last two years, Lena's hard work was recognized when she earned her Associate in Science Degree in Health Information Techniology from San Diego's Mesa College on 15 May 2010. |
 |
Lena's friend, Manya, went with us to the Commencement Ceremony which was held in the Jenny Craig Pavillon on the campus of the University of San Diego (USD). |
 |
When Lena and Steve met on 11/14/98, they were both the same height (5' 10 "). Now---eleven years later----this photo vividly depicts Steve's loss of almost 5 inches in height associated with the deterioration of the 'cushion' between his vertebrae from degenerative arthritis! |
 |
The graduation robes for 'normal' students was black, but, those individuals achieving a "4.0" perfect grade point average qualified for wearing the blue 'valedictorian' robes. |
 |
Unfortunately, Steve's seats for the Commencement Ceremony were far enough from the stage that he had to use a telephoto lens to capture this image of the proceedings. As such, it was not possible for us to get a photo of Lena actually being awarded her degree. |
 |
Did we mention that Lena had earned "A's" in all of her courses and graduated 'Valedictorian?' (Actually, she was one of eleven in her total graduating class to do so.) |
 |
These are a few of Lena's classmates who were also getting ready for the graduation ceremony. |
 |
This
photo of Lena actually getting her degree was not possible because of
the distance we were sitting from the stage, so, we had to order it from
the company doing the 'official graduation photos.'
|
 |
After
Lena received her degree, we invited those people who had attended the
ceremony to come back to our house for dinner and refreshments. This cuddly
critter was from Steve's brother and his wife...
|
 |
Needless
to say, Lena was equally thrilled with this second cuddly critter from
Yolanda and Duke.
|
 |
Vilena
and Manya look on while Lena reads one of her graduation cards.
|
 |
Vilena's
husband, Miro (on the left) along with Anatoliy and Galina (in the back)
also watch Lena read her cards and well-wishes from friends and family.
|
 |
Yolanda
and Duke listen to Charlene explain something...
|
 |
Yolanda shows Lena how to make
her cuddly critter sing and dance.
|
 |
Manya and Stevie (Vilena's
son) both enjoyed the cuddly critter's dance routine.
|
 |
Lena decided that Kesha would look
'cute' wearing her graduation cap and these photos show how thrilled he
was with being included in the festivities.
|
 |
Everything considered, Lena is
glad to have received her AS degree and to have her graduation behind
her...and is now looking forward to working in her new profession at Sharps
Hospital.
|
 |
Ironically, 5 days
after her graduation, this article regarding 'Hot Career Trends' for college
graduates appeared in our local newspaper. It documents that Lena made
a good decision 2 years ago in choosing 'Health Information Technology'
for her AS degree goal!
|
 |
|
 |