A year ago, I could not begin to even imagine all that I would learn, achieve, and do in ten short months. It has been an amazing ride and it ended with a fabulous send off, Hallmark’s Class of 2007 Graduation on June 22!
The setting was beautiful and despite a couple of rain delay’s, the graduation was a wonderful event. My mom, Norma, and my Auntie Carol traveled from Alberta, my father in law, Darrell, his partner in crime Maureen, and also my mother in law, Nancy and nephew Caleb all traveled from Michigan to attend!
The keynote address was given by photographer Lois Greenfield, I am a huge fan of her and had hoped to arrange assisting her in New York City but the timing never worked out. She has fantastic work and her speech was so inspiring!
The awards portion of the ceremony kicked off with a big surprise for me, the very first award was for the student obtaining the highest credit overall throughout the year, and they called my name! I was so shocked! I also received the perfect attendance award, along with four other students, and I also had my portfolio rank in the top ten percent of all portfolios in my graduating class of 188 students! I was so surprised! What a great ending to an amazing year. View all of my classes achievements at Hallmark’s News page
And now for life after Hallmark…… I am busy packing this week and making arrangements for us to move to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I have accepted a job offer at Ridge Rock Studios where I will work as a senior project manager and photographer! I am so excited and very anxious to get up there and get started working! When we told our children that we were moving to Canada, they ran and immediately packed their toy bags and had them waiting by the door in anticipation! After 11 years abroad, we are finally going home!!
A year after taking the risk to change my career to something that I truly love, I will be entering the work force in a job that I can’t wait to get to “work”!
Cody - Thanks for documenting the experience! I’m a prospective student who is reading through as many blogs of current and past students that I can find. This is great.
Also, wanted to bring your attention to the “i-did-it” entry – the photos have somehow gone missing… Thought you should know.
Thanks!
-Cody