On March 1, 2019, I got into @harvardeducation. It seemed so far away, but I was already envisioning what it would feel like to walk across the stage on graduation day. Then, in March 2020, our grad program (like many other things) was abruptly interrupted by the pandemic. Our student-teaching experiences changed drastically, we didn’t get to see our cohort or students in-person again, my family cancelled their trip to Boston, and our graduation ceremony was an anti-climactic 11 minute zoom slideshow. It seemed silly to grieve when there were so many tragedies happening around us, but I did feel really bummed about how everything ended. Two years later, Harvard announced that they were finally making good on the promise to have an in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020, and part of me was feeling kind of over it at this point. But I’m so glad I came. Today was actually so special, and it felt surreal being back at HGSE and seeing my cohort again 🥹 I mean, when else have graduates been given the chance to come back post-grad to celebrate and reflect on their journey in this way? Our dean’s speech reminded me of just how much *shit* we all went through—together and individually—in the last 3 years as aspiring and new teachers. From the rocky road of grad school.. to the whacky year afterwards trying to switch my credential over to CA.. to teaching hybrid summer school at my old high school.. to finally getting a full-time position.. to leaving my classroom in the middle of the school year.. to everything else in between.. what a damn ride it’s been. But I don’t regret any of it, and am so proud of all the learning and growth that has come with the journey. I’m excited and anxious to be teaching again this summer.. and have no idea where my journey in (or out of) education will go from there... but I am thankful to have you all along for the unknown ride ❤️ "Collectively, you have lived through what has been the most tumultuous time not only for education but for the entire world... but this is not a story of your hardships. Instead, it is a story of how you've found ways to thrive even in the face of many challenges." - Dean @bridgetterrylong