May Angels Lead You In

In sitting here trying, once again, to write my personal statement, I finally realized what  who was missing. My first psychology advisor, Dr. Margaret Launius. I don't even know where to begin descibing what this woman means to me. She's the reason I became a psychology major and a women's studies minor. She's taught me more than any other professor ever could, academically and in life. Her strength and spirit are unparalleled and it was an honor to have been given the opportunity to learn from her.

When I was told that Dr. Launius passed away in November of 2010, I dropped to the floor. I couldn't and did not want to believe it. I knew she had been fighting cancer for many years, but this was Dr. Launius after all, I thought she was immortal.

Now I'm sitting here ready to graduate and she's not here. It doesn't feel right. I always thought after I walked across that stage, she would be the first person to hug me. She would be proud of me. She would be there.

I know she'll always be in my heart and I will always feel her presense. I just wish I got the chance to thank her for all she's done for me, for all she's taught me.

I've been told before that sometimes people come into your life and they're only there for a season, others remain for a lifetime. Though she was only in my life for a short time, Dr. Launius has made an impact that will last a lifetime. I hope she knew that. I hope she knew how much she meant to me.

It was only because of you, Dr. Launius, that I'm here today. You found me in my darkest hour, picked up the pieces and helped me to transform into the strong passionate woman I am today.

Forever&Always