At around 2:45 p.m. I became Tamarra, Au.D. or Dr. Marra. So freakin' exciting. Rewind to a few days before that, let's say Wednesday, May 11. That was my last day and an audiology extern. It was a SLOW day at work for me, but after work my boss had a get-together at his place as a goodbye party. It was great hanging out with my co-workers once last time. After we ate, I was handed a large, gift-wrapped package. Now I had an idea that they might get me a specific gift...and..when I unwrapped the package; there it was a brand spankin' new Vera Bradley!!! I LOVE VERA (note I am not being paid or compensated by Vera Bradley and they probably don't even know who I am)!
The next morning I headed out to Madison for graduation. I had to run a few errands like picking up my cap, gown, and hood and also a special parking pass for my grandparents. Later when my parents arrived we got some Five Guys and headed for Union Terrace to eat, drink beer, and just enjoy the lake.
Friday, my paternal grandparents along with my dad's two sisters arrived and shortly after that my mom's mom, sister, brother-in-law, and my little bro arrived. We hung out until we had to head to graduation.
First up was the Audiology program reception. It was great catching up with classmates, but sad that two of the seven weren't able to be there. They had us change into our caps and gowns and then performed the hooding ceremony. That was when I was called Dr. Marra for the first time. I willed myself not to cry (I didn't have any waterproof mascara and didn't want to be a mess like I was at my undergrad graduation), but my eyes definitely teared up.
After that we headed to the real ceremony at the Kohl Center. It was long and rather uneventful, but very cool at the same time.
By this time, it had started raining and we headed out to our cars. I drove the van with my grandparents, all 3 of them, that was parked right next to the building and my dad drove the other van. We went to dinner at an amazing placed in Verona, WI called Gray's Tied House. I hadn't been there before but it had come highly recommended. They brew their own beer (I personally loved the Wisco Wheat) and the food was great. (Once again I am not being paid of compensated in any way to endorse Gray's).
Sorry for the long post, but I'm going to make it slightly longer and include some pics!
Audiology Classmates minus 2 members.
Hoods from behind. These suckers were WARM!
My family. Interesting note: my little brother earned his B.S. in Animal Science from ISU the week before. That helps explain the super proud look on my momma's face.
