Vanderbilt University Commencement 2K7

Over the past few days, my lack of posts have been due to the Commencement exercises held at Vanderbilt University since Wednesday afternoon. One word comes to mind when experiencing and thinking of graduation at Vanderbilt: Magical.

My younger brother graduated from Vanderbilt with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Molecular and Cellular Biology as well as a minor in Chemistry. And on top of that, he graduated magna cum laude (should have been summa cum laude if he had a hundreth of a point. ridiculous). As his sister, I am extremely proud beyond words and very inspired by his accoplishments, his drive, and his modesty. Regarding the commencement exercises, the festivities began Wednesday night with a Party held on one of the many lawns on campus. The Party was filled with food, liquor, and beer and with music and entertainment provided by The Village People. Let me just say that watching my mom and dad dance to "YMCA" made the entire night worth it. Witnessing all of these Vanderbilt parents revert back to their college days and dance like no one was watching amazed me.

Thursday was Senior Day, which was held outside on Alumni Lawn. The main attraction to Senior Day was the guest speaker. In years past, speakers have included First Lady Laura Bush, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, and Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. On Thursday, we were all lucky to hear one of the most amazing microfinancial geniuses of our time: Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Dr. Yunus provided the poor and poverty-stricken people of Bangladesh, his home country, the opportunity to borrow money without collateral or consequences in order to get their lives in order. Today, his bank has 99% of borrowers repay everything that was loaned to them. He based his entire system on trust and his ability to adapt and to change. While I was sitting there listening to him, I realized that he was a Vanderbilt Alum and has made such an incredible impact on the people of his country and people of the world, which has earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. I consider myself extremely lucky to have heard his message and inspired to make my own place in this world.

After the speaker, me and my bro met up with Chancellor Gee at Rand Hall, who is one of the most incredible personalities and people I've ever met:



Friday marked Commencement. Once again, Magical. Trying to fathom the fact that my younger brother was graduating from college was hard enough, but accepting the reality that he was starting medical school in the fall was even harder for me to swallow. I can't even begin to express the gratitude I have for such a talented, loving, and well-respected brother. With commencement festivities starting on Wednesday and pretty much going non-stop since then with my entire family in town, I'm sure you can understand if I say that I'm pretty exhausted.

So, Congratulations to all the 2007 Graduates. Good luck and God's speed to all of you.