Long Time Coming

I am posting to this blog again after a respite for an educational endeavor that culminated in my graduating from the American University of Paris with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global Communications. Going back to school after over twenty years was a frightening experience that I now wouldn't trade for anything.

AUP Graduation 2014

As a nontraditional student, the multicultural mix at AUP was the perfect place for me. While it was obvious I was not like the other undergrads, the other students -- most of whom were younger then Mathew or Kate -- were very accepting of the presence of an older woman invading the classroom and always made me feel right at home. From international marketing to student media, from the history of communications to the history of Paris through its architecture, I was embraced as a fellow student. My partner in love and life, Charlie was an incredible support and I couldn't have graduated Magna Cum Laude with Departmental Honors without his continuous love and encouragement. 

Exultation!

                          Both family and friends showed up for the momentous event. 

Charlie and I with Jim and Sandy Corry from Philadelphia

Me and our dear Parisian friend Alan Rattner

Wendy Patterson came all the way from Washington D.C.            

Dad, Charlie Roberts, Carla, me, Kate and Matthew

Me and my sister Debi

After the graduation, it was really fun to show everyone around my adopted city and its amazing surrounds. We went to the Louvre (along with 50,000 of our closest friends). We took the train to Vernon and rode bikes through the French countryside to Giverny to see the Monet gardens. 

Kate, me Amanda, Charlie Roberts and Alex along the trail to Giverny

The gardens at the Monet museum were beautiful but again most of our close friends from the Louvre seemed to be following us around and -- as a result -- it was sometimes a bit crowded around the lily pads (although we managed to find a few uninhabited spots that provided the perfect backdrop for some family photos.)

Cousins together for the first time in 5 years.

We also had a wonderful dinner cruise on the Seine.  

Kate and Amanda on the dinner cruise with Eiffel Tower in background

 I am blessed by the love of a wonderful family (including Charlie) and some pretty incredible friends, and now with a degree in Global Communications from the American University of Paris! Yes I did say PARIS!

Alex, Carla, Kate and Amanda