Hard Work Pays Off

        The day that all the hard work paid off! May 12, 2012, started as a cloudy day with a high chance of rain. As we, the graduates, waited for them to tell us whether or not we needed a rain plan we all anxiously prayed for sun. God, came through and the class of 2012 graduated outside on the lawns of Cone Bottom as tradition.

        What a wonderful tradition it is too, professors line the sidewalk and we take the senior walk through campus. The sidewalk contains names of so many 'difference makers' that have gone before us. As I walked for the last time down those sidewalks I was reminiscing and self-consciously praying I don't fall. I looked into the eyes of professors who are more like friends and I realized just how blessed I truly am. Behind those eyes are people who actually care about me. They spent the last 4 years teaching, guiding, arguing with, and loving me. 

 

My Chair

As I made it to my seat I turned and looked for my family. I am the first to graduate college in my family and this day meant just as much to them as it did to me. All of our prayers, tears, frustrations, and hard work was about to pay off. 

As they called my name and I walked across that stage I was filled with so much joy and happiness. I knew better than to look at my mom, water-works were going to have to wait. As I sat there and watched the rest of my friends graduate I knew God had a plan for the class of 2012. Our class truly is made-up of people who are difference makers and I cannot wait to see what God has for each of us. 

 Thank you to my mom for always supporting me and believing in me, to Bill for always helping and making sure I had everything I needed. Thanks to the rest of my family for praying for me and supporting. I love you all! 

John, Mom, Me, and Bill 

The Bennett Clan

My Beautiful friends:

top left is Kiley Jane, top right is Meg

the bottom is Shelby and Katie

Below is a my favorite professor EVER, my research mentor, and a dear friend 

Dr. Lori Hensley

Ouachita Baptist University is such an incredible university and wonderful place to call home. I loved my time there and look forward to returning as an alumni to visit. :)