Pride and Achievement: Overcoming Challenges to Graduate with Dual Degrees

Graduating in four years is a significant milestone that not all students achieve. Most students take longer, often up to five years or more, to receive their degrees. Personally, I managed to accomplish this feat with a remarkable four-year journey through college.

Personal Growth and Educational Milestones

My college experience was marked by profound personal growth and a robust educational foundation. One of my biggest achievements was not just completing my degree, but maturing and becoming a better person. I held significant roles within my fraternity, serving as both Vice President and President, which honed my leadership skills and my ability to collaborate with others.

Academic Prowess: Dual Degrees Achieved

The pinnacle of my undergraduate journey was being awarded two Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering and Engineering Physics. This accomplishment underlines my dedication and intellectual capabilities, setting a solid foundation for my future endeavors.

Navigating Advanced Logic: A Challenge Valued

One of the most challenging courses I tackled was Advanced Logic. Unlike the basic logic courses, this was a rigorous exploration of logical systems and metalogic. We were tasked with proving the soundness of these systems, especially as they applied to the vast field of mathematics. This course stretched my intellect and prepared me for complex problem-solving scenarios.

Proving Naysayers Wrong: Determination and Perseverance

Throughout my academic journey, there were those who doubted my capabilities. However, I chose to prove them wrong, culminating in my success through both undergraduate and graduate programs. This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: never doubt what you are capable of achieving. Self-belief is half the battle.

Graduation Day: A Reflection of the Journey

My graduation ceremony on December 13, 2014, from Oklahoma State University College of Engineering Architecture and Technology, was a moment of significant reflection. It reinforced the idea that life is not about the destination but the journey, and the destination is simply a reflection of the journey. The five seconds it took to walk across the stage pales in comparison to the four years of effort and perseverance that led up to it.

Advice for Future Graduates

To those who have yet to graduate, I offer a piece of advice. Make the most of your current situation, recognizing that no situation in life is without its challenges. Find the good in your circumstances and surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. These lessons will serve you well long after the champagne bottles have been uncorked at your graduation party.

Supporting a Friend Through Acromegaly

One of my proudest moments was my support for a friend with a unique health condition. Gordon, who suffered from Acromegaly, faced numerous challenges throughout his life. This hormonal disorder, triggered by excess growth hormone, affected not only his physical appearance but also his social interactions. Gordon was always isolated and shunned by others, which added to his emotional struggles.

Turning the Tide: A Supportive Friendship

Despite the odds, I decided to be Gordon’s friend. We spent time together, enjoying simple pleasures like drive-through meals, long conversations, and visiting each other’s homes. Despite these efforts, Gordon’s parents were skeptical about my intentions. I planned a graduation party, inviting over a hundred students to my father's house. To everyone’s surprise, after all the preparations, the party was a bust due to a sudden downpour. However, the real miracle happened as everyone showed up just when it started to clear.

A Life-Changing Moment

Gordon announced that he was going to throw his own party later that evening. It was a small, word-of-mouth event, timed to coincide with his parents’ absence. I arrived early to help, but the pouring rain made it an eventful evening. However, by 8:00 PM, the doors were opened, and everyone flooded in. Gordon was overjoyed, and it was a moment I will cherish forever. The following day, we cleaned up and later I discovered that his parents wanted to know why there were shoe prints in the bathtub!

Seeing Gordon’s face that night was a moment I consider one of my most significant achievements, not just academically but also personally. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the joy it can bring to others.

My success in school, business, and marriage is commendable, but the proudest moment was undoubtedly when I witnessed the transformation of Gordon’s life, thanks to the support and friendship I offered.