Change like an ever-flowing river. Inspired by my graduation from New Paltz.

About six years ago, end of August I walked to my first college class; 16 pretty young and excited about the new chapter in my life book. Six years later I am about to graduate; 21 still young and may be still excited. Many things happened during this time, grandma's funeral in Nigeria, we moved to 4 Magnolia lane, COVID, VBS in Fairview, girls class, unit and Europe. I graduated from Dutchess, then I transferred to SUNY New Paltz. It is hard to transcribe every moment, every second of my life experiences in the last six years, but I can say that the girl that walked into her first college class, is not the same girl that will be walking out of her last college class. Even though the essence of who I am is still the same, my name, my ethnicity, nationality, my life memories. But many many experiences have altered the way I think, the way I interact with others. The Abigael that people know today, is not the same Abigael that people knew six years ago. I was as awkward as a teenager could be and I still am. But I am better at pretending that I I am not. Trust me I am still strange. There were many times when life put thorns on my road, but I have also been blessed beyond measure. I have been taught, and I have learned. Which have all influenced who I am today. I am graduating with a BA in Psychology, and in a way it feels unreal but alas it is real. So, at this point, I would like to say thank you to my 16-year-old self; thank you for taking the first step. Thank you to my 19-year-old self for holding on, even when the storm raged so fiercely. Sincere thanks to the ever so steady and dependable tree in my life. I will forever be grateful to my parents for their unwavering support. And the most important grateful praise goes to God almighty who has kept me safe thus far, who has given me the ability to learn, and to understand. Who has been my rock and refuge thank you.

See You later, Abigael