Graduation: Open Letter/Announcement

I’ve spent days hovering over my laptop attempting to create the perfect announcement for my graduation from the University of Alabama’s Masters of Arts program in English.  Over the years, I’ve prided myself in creating unique announcements for each milestone, but this year I decided to allow my announcement to reflect a portion of my life’s work—writing.  When I first began drafting this letter, I found myself laughing and sometimes crying as I neared six pages of memories and words of appreciation.  Some of those moments did not make it to the final letter, but my reflection of the last two years allowed me to have a greater appreciation for the spiritual, academic, and personal transformations I have experienced and the contributions that each of you have made during my journey.   

As I prepare for graduation, I am in total amazement reflecting on how quickly the last two years of my life have passed.  Making the decision to attend the University of Alabama (UA) was not extremely difficult.  Although I was awarded acceptance to every Master’s program to which I sought admissions, UA seemed to be the perfect fit.  After visiting the beautiful campus and attending a graduate seminar, I made my decision to accept the program’s offer.  So, the young women who grew up promising to NEVER live in Alabama was headed to Tuscaloosa!

The summer of 2012 was filled with conversations of moving, money management, and plans for my future studies.  I was grateful to my aunt and uncle, Jenise and Joe Hampton, for giving me the low-down on Tuscaloosa. (They both attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa and currently live in Birmingham, AL with their sons, Joe Jr. and Jonathan.)  I was excited to move in my first apartment!  “My upgraded dorm,” as my mother would describe it to ease the thought of me REALLY leaving the nest, was all that I imagined it to be.  I spent a few weeks getting acquainted with the town, and before I knew it, it was time for classes to begin. 

During my time in the Master’s program, I found myself having to adjust the time and ways I studied, the amount of attention that I gave to assignments, and the level of engagement I employed while exploring new ideas.  Once I realized that I could no longer walk on the tightrope attempting to balance my previous life in Jackson, MS, where I pursued my undergraduate studies at Tougaloo College, and the life I was creating in Tuscaloosa, graduate school became more fulfilling.  I called this my “be here now challenge.”  It was very tempting to get on the road to Jackson, but a review of my syllabi and bank statements quickly deterred me.  That decision was worthwhile and ultimately made the difference in my success in the program.  I was able to enjoy a number of Crimson Tide football games, to serve on the committee to sponsor the program’s annual guest lecturer, to attend conferences in Paris, France (Writing Across Borders Conference), Indianapolis, IN (Conference on College Composition and Communication), and New Orleans, LA (College Language Association) to present my research on Afrocentric teaching practices for first-year college writing instruction, and to teach first year composition at the University. 

As you know, much has taken place during these last two years.  The growth that I have experienced as a woman, as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a student, as a teacher, and as a scholar has truly been amazing.  While that list may seem to reflect many hats, I wore each with an esteemed ease because of your contributions!

To my family, you all have been there through it all. From moving me to Tuscaloosa to helping me when I had not quite adjusted to “real” adult life, your presence has been the cornerstone of my success.  Your advice, care, and compassion mean everything to me.  To my friends and professors, old and new, you have enriched my life in so many ways.  It feels good to have a relationship where each of you make it a priority to celebrate with me or even correct me when it is necessary.  Our interactions have gotten me through the best and worst times.  Your love, support, and prayers have been an invaluable source of strength over the past two years. Thank you!

To Dr. Robinson, where do I begin?  Attempting to break through this writer’s block that I am experiencing now is difficult.  Part of the block is because it just dawned on me that this semester will be the last chance I have to walk into your office with tons of questions about a reading or an upcoming paper or to visit your home to watch the latest episode of Scandal.  Another part of me is having difficulty articulating the impact you have had on my life.  In two short years, you have taught me in over half of my courses in this program. You were correct when you jokingly said I have practically majored in “Michelle Robinson!”  Our time together has been filled with heartfelt stories, continuous laughter, and even occasional tears.  You always knew when to let me explore, when to offer guidance, and when to downright get me together.  I will cherish the lessons you have imparted to me, both inside and outside of the classroom, forever.  Thanks for your willingness to go the extra mile to help me become the student, scholar, and teacher I have always wanted to be.  I think I’m ready to get my “Baby Michelle” on, now!

To the Black Women’s group, you all have encouraged and inspired me when I needed it most.  T. Harris, Dr. Manora, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Smith, Kedra, Syreeta, Kemeshia, Shaye, Tracey, Delia, Margaret, Nadia, thank y’all so much! When Dr. Robinson decided to start a women’s group for the Black scholars in the English department, I had no idea that I would be impacted so greatly.  Sharing our accomplishments, our difficulties, and even our food has been such a joy each semester.  I will always cherish our rendition of “I Will Survive” during our first meeting.  Y’all rock! Keep growing, keep glowing, and keep giving your knowledge and love.  Together, we will survive!

To Dr. Handa (September 22, 1947-March 12, 2014), I miss you! I have spent weeks wishing I could go back in time and take better advantage of our time together. I think about my plans to purchase a Talbot’s gift card as a token of appreciation for your assistance during my time in the program.  I know you loved that store, so I will do a little shopping for the both of us. J   I fondly remember one of our conversations before I agreed to attend UA.  You asked me why I felt that I needed to attend graduate school.  I explained that this space would allow me to think and to teach on level where I could develop my academic tools with the aspiration of ultimately being a tool to help build possibilities for students to see the benefits and beauty of education.  You encouraged me to hold fast to those aspirations because there were many students who could benefit from my goals.  Thank you for your time and your encouragement. Rest easy!

As I travel to the University of Louisville (Louisville, KY) to pursue doctoral studies, I ask that each of you continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  Amazing things have emerged over the past two years, and I expect nothing less for the years to come. So, with great pride, I am pleased to announce my graduation from the University of Alabama with a Master’s of Arts in English.  Please join me for the University’s commencement exercises on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 6 p.m. at the Coleman Coliseum (323 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401). I will also host a celebratory Master’s Brunch on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Bobby Miller Activity Center (300 Bobby Miller Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404).

            Please let me know if you plan to attend the weekend’s activities.  If you need lodging, please let me know that as well.  Feel free to contact me to confirm your attendance or to send well wishes at echols.khirsten30@gmail.com.  I hope to see you soon.  Thank y’all for your love and support! Roll Tide!

With Love,

Khirsten L. Echols