Tribute to Dr. Sara

Tonight I watched my friend Sara become a Doctor of Optometry. Scott and I went to Big Rapids to attend her graduation from the Michigan College of Optometry (at FSU). Hearing them announce her as "Doctor" (I'm not posting her last name on the web!), and watching her stride across the stage--all smiles--was in a word: surreal. In less than a minute it was done... one of my best friends in the world is now an eye doctor.

How did that cheerful, bouncy, cute little 19 year old girl I met in the dorms at CMU become the knowledgeable, proud, budding professional I watched graduate tonight? It all seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.

I actually met Sara when she randomly arrived at my dorm room in college with a mutual friend. It is 100% accurate to say the only reason they were darkening my doorway was because they wanted to scam a ride to get food. You see, I had a car, and that was a somewhat valuable commodity in the dorms. Half-way through our first conversation ever, a different ride was secured by another friend of hers, and Sara was gone. Who would've ever guessed that such a brief and shallow beginning could lead to a decade long (and counting) friendship?

I've known Sara for almost her entire college career (I met her during her Freshman year). She has always put intense pressure on herself about classes, studying, tests, papers, projects, etc. She was always very driven to succeed in school (much in contrast to myself). She would stress and worry over every test, but would manage to succeed time and time again. I always knew her intelligence and drive would take her anywhere she wanted to go in her life.

I don't mean to portray Sara as some kind of stuffy geek! Just a partial geek (ha!)----How many girls in their 20s are huge fans of the "Golden Girls" TV show? Sara has always made me smile with her quirky sense of humor. She can be goofy, crazy, and can laugh so hard that she falls over. She has a soft, innocent vibe about her, but I think she possesses more courage and adventurousness than most people give her credit for. Beyond all of that, she is one of a select few people in my life that I am 100% sure would "be there for me", no matter what. For this I am so extremely fortunate and grateful.

This is a graduation tribute to you, Dr. Sara! I know the drive that propelled you to succeed in school will now propel you to succeed in life. Don't be nervous about the huge change your life is undergoing. You have worked long and hard to secure a great future for yourself. Be bold and embrace it! I know you very well... you WILL succeed.

I am so very proud of you, my friend!

Sara & Todd 1998