engaged. underage. graduated.

The title explains it all. I am engaged, I am underage (to drink) and I am graduating this year. Here is my big announcement though: I am graduating THIS SUMMER. A whole year early. I started at Iowa State as a freshman Fall of 2014 and had planned it all out that I would graduate December of 2017. Well God had better plans, and he has made it full and clear to me that I get to graduate even sooner because of how He has provided and shown a clear path.

It all started Tuesday. I was procrastinating homework, and looking at my degree audit/transcript in anticipation of signing up for classes this fall for my final semester. I realized that I only have 2 credits left to finish my degree, and was intrigued and very confused. How could this be?! Especially with studying abroad! It turns out my credits from the University of Exeter transferred in as 16 credits instead of 12. Four 4 credit classes instead of four 3 credit classes. This fall I would have been taking electives just to reach the number of credits I need to graduate. And let me tell you, I have a major case of senioritis.

Here is when it gets even cooler. The one class that I need to graduate is offered online this summer, and will cap off my classes at Iowa State. So this week I made the bittersweet decision that I will only be attending classes at Iowa State for the rest of the spring. 5 weeks of classes left, 5 weeks of walking on campus as a student. This all came on so suddenly which is honestly a blessing for me. Goodbyes and transitions are physically and emotionally taxing on me. This way I can start the job search even sooner and hopefully have a steady career by the time Lucas and I tie the knot in December, so that I will have one less thing to need to transition to. My plan before was to graduate, get married two weeks later, and then start a full time job upon returning from our honeymoon.

I had the option to do an Early Walk and attend the spring graduation ceremony. Ironically the College of Human Sciences ceremony is the same day as my older sister and brother-in-law's college graduation, and the university wide one is on my 21st birthday as well as Tulip Time (if you know me well enough no way I am missing Tulip Time!!!!!!!). I will be walking this fall with my friends like I had previously planned, but I will receive my diploma in August after finishing up my online class.

Now you may be thinking, what's the rush? Why are you throwing away your college experience?

Yes I am getting married young (and no I am not underage/too young to be getting married). And I am graduating early and starting my career sooner, but that doesn't mean that I'm throwing away my college experience.

I love college and have loved my time at Iowa State University, but the Lord has showed me that this chapter needs to close. He showed me this and I have no regrets in my decision to not continue classes into the fall. I am very passionate about Iowa State and have loved my years here.

I cannot wait to continue growing and learning in a professional setting. If you have any suggestions or job ideas, I would love to hear them. I would love to do anything from ministry events, conference planning, wedding planning, special events, marketing, etc. Basically anything. I am completely open and would love any opportunity. :) I will be living in a one bedroom apartment in Ames this fall leading up to our wedding on December 30, when I will move into his townhouse after the wedding. So I will be job searching in the Ames/Des Moines area!

Here's to the next chapter!

xoxo,

Leah Joy