I walked this weekend. More specifically I walked across the stage at graduation (though I did do a little of the normal walking too). It was hectic, it was a blast, and I guess this now means it’s time to find my place in the real world.

But I kind of have already.

You see, I actually got my diploma six months ago. Studying abroad last Spring had a huge impact on me. It made me want to travel, explore, and see the world. It made me want to learn more. Not in a classroom, but through new experiences and adventures. I felt a little stuck going back to my regular class schedule that Fall. So I pushed through, took 24 credits that semester, and somehow, against all odds, graduated a semester early.

Looking back at it now, six months later when many of my friends are graduating, I don’t think I could have made a better decision. I pushed myself, graduating with a B.A. in Multimedia and Photojournalism & Computer Science, with a minor in German Studies as well. I lived in a service and learning community on campus for a year, was Vice President of the Creighton chapter of TWLOHA, studied in Berlin (for three weeks in the summer, and again for a whole semester), shot photos and videos for student groups and the school newspaper, and made a few lifelong friends along the way.

And that was all in just three and a half years. Wow.

I hope I’m not rambling on too much, but these are the thoughts that came crashing down as I stepped foot into the auditorium ready to cross the stage. There is so much that has happened in these years at college, and it has all helped me grow tremendously.

I’ll be writing a second part to this, going into detail of what I’ve been doing, and where I’m going, but for now, I want to finish this post up with a few photos looking back through my nearly four years in college.

This was the day. Leaving home before sunrise to move into my new home by the end of the day.

During the two years I lived on campus, there were many nights when I would roam the grounds, finding peace and serenity there.

Sunsets by Creighton’s fountain were always stunning.

Jesuit Gardens—my favorite place at Creighton. Always quiet. A place to collect my thoughts.

The view out of my dorm freshman year. Made special this night with fireworks in Midtown.

Berlin. The first time. Amazing experiences and amazing people. Both times I made lifelong friends.

Incredibly smart, funny, genuine, adventurous. Just a few adjectives to describe this beautiful group.

One of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken. At a rooftop bar in Kreuzberg.

Sophomore year. Cortina. Living, learning, and service.

This was my room. Sometimes I miss the close quarters and lofted beds.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. It’s aight.

Self portraits in the mirror.

This was the view out of my dorm room window. I’d joke that I had the penthouse room: on the corner, on the top floor, and with the best view on campus, even in a snowstorm.

Riversides are a nice place to reflect. (What a terrible pun. I’m sorry).

The view out of my apartment the last two years.

Probably my favorite area of Omaha. I lived in Dundee for two years. Except, when you really look at it, I lived there for only one because half of the time I was in Berlin and Denver.

The Joslyn. Omaha’s Museum. I went there to think and to be inspired. 

Dodge Street. This is Omaha traffic. Not a whole lot, really.

A panorama I took on my film camera. A giant mural on the North side of Downtown Omaha.

My school in Berlin. I learned so much here and grew more in five months than I had in the last three years. Go to Berlin. You won’t regret it.

Honestly, this is the most important street in Berlin. Two reasons: Curry 36 and Mustafa’s.

I couldn’t have done it without all the love and support from so many people (especially each and every one of you reading this). I can’t thank you all enough.

Peace :),

Marco