Tag: graduation

life

Graduation

Hollie

The point of our travel was to watch my brother graduate college! As fun as the cruise around Manhattan was or traveling New York City, we did come for graduation.

We left around 7:30 and arrived to Matt’s campus at 8.

We were fortunate my dad was able to give him the official oath into the Navy. It was definitely a personal and touching moment for our family.

matt and dad

After receiving the oath, we went and found our seats at graduation. It took place outside (rain or shine and it came close to raining!).

Matt, mom and I
Matt, mom and I

The class had 212 students and the graduation took about 2.5 hours. I must admit the valedictorian and class president’s speeches were both two of the best and funniest I’ve ever heard.  They were certainly far funnier than my graduation speeches! They had everyone in the crowd involved.

After a few more speeches and military traditions, the diplomas were handed out.

My brothers and I
My brothers and I

We enjoyed a lovely lunch on the water near the Hudson River. I wish I had taken a photo because the catering was amazing. We had goat cheese salad and every kind of sandwich you can imagine.  I chose the Buffalo chicken sandwich which was popular.

family shot graduation

As you can see it was a really enjoyable and great weekend. It was great to celebrate with my family as well as the other families who were watching their sons and daughters graduate as well.

graduation

Questions for you:

When was the last graduation you attended?

Do you know anyone in any of the branches of the military?

 

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Personal

Cruising Around New York City

Hollie

Last weekend I headed to Long Island to celebrate my brother’s graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Throughout the last four years, he has worked extremely hard. My family and I could not be more proud of him.

Unlike many college graduations (mine included), it was a multi-day event! I was very lucky my parents made space for me in their car so I did not have to drive. Although it was packed, it was nice not to drive everywhere!  They picked me up on Wednesday and we headed up.

We arrived on Long Island late on Wednesday evening. We were exhausted and fell asleep early.

On Thursday, we went over to my brother’s school to watch the change of command.

matt and i

This event is when the senior class pass the leadership duties to the junior class.  In tradition, afterwords all of the seniors run down (in their dress uniforms) and jump into the pool. It was humorous to watch 200 people stampede into the pool in full dress.

We also went into New York City and toured.  My brother is extremely knowledgeable and has been on almost every platform and station in the city.  He could tell you how to get anywhere with his eyes closed.  I did not get the same genes because I can’t even tell you how to get through my neighborhood.

Family shot in Times Square
Family shot in Times Square

Later in the evening, we went on the senior cruise. The cruise went around NYC and Jersey city from 7-11pm.  It was the perfect time to watch the sunset and enjoy the time.

new york city from afar

It was an all you can eat buffet as well as all you can drink! The food, the views and the dancing was incredible.

new york city cruise 1

The cruise itself was from 7-11 pm but with getting in and out of the city, we didn’t get back to the hotel until 1am. That is closer to my normal wakeup time versus my normal bed time!  It was an late night for us. I see you over there Jersey City

I see you over there Jersey City

"Please take this photo in front of all of these things that made me miserable"
“Please take this photo in front of all of these things that made me miserable”

I have no regrets staying out late and the experience was absolutely incredible. I enjoyed seeing New York because it’s not something I normally get to see.

Questions for you:

Have you ever gone on a catered cruise?

Have you ever been to NYC? 

Personal

Graduation.

Hollie

As most people know, this weekend is my brother’s college graduation.  My brother Matt and I are extremely close and I could not be more proud of him.  It’s hard to think how fast the last four years have gone for everybody!

Since he is graduating a military academy so it’s a longer event and lasts a few days!  He spent four years at Kings Point Academy and because of his hard work received a commission into the U.S. Navy.

I’m extremely proud of him for the hard work he has put in.  

Matt's High school graduation!
Matt’s High school graduation!

Four years ago, I visited him for family weekend.  He had just gotten through the first few months of the military academy.

Visiting during Family Weekend
Visiting during Family Weekend
Hanging out at my youngest brother's graduation
Hanging out at my youngest brother’s graduation
Visiting Philadelphia!
Visiting Philadelphia!

It’s hard to believe how fast time has gone for both of us.  We are all proud of him and can’t wait to celebrate.