My daughter graduated yesterday, and I have decided to allow myself one week to be a proud mother and brag to everyone in my path! 😀
The new graduate and her husband.
She has worked very hard for a long time. Elizabeth started school (at her insistence) at age 4. She has been a dedicated student, always focused, always persistent, and always self motivated. She thinks I’ve been a positive influence but she has done the vast majority herself. I never told her to do her homework or asked her to go to class. I tried my best to provide good opportunities, and then tried to stay out of her way while she built her own life.
Elizabeth and I after graduation (photo taken by my sister)
Elizabeth was at the top of her class in high school, was an award winning cross country runner, and an outstanding oboist in the Florida Youth Symphony, all while taking AP and honors classes, and working part time after school. Her excellent grades earned her an undergraduate degree in physics at Florida State Universtiy paid for by the Bright Futures program, and then a masters and doctorate at the University of Texas paid for by her work in the physics department.
Elizabeth and Joel, who has been there every step of the way.
There was a party at Elizabeth’s house after graduation and I had an interesting conversation with one of her professors, another one of the few women physicists. She said Elizabeth had not only done an outstanding job, but she was always kind to her coworkers, helpful and patient with other students, and never arrogant in spite of her considerable expertise. She said Elizabeth holds great promise as a scientist, and is also a wonderful role model for other young women considering a career in science. Because of Elizabeth’s success in the program, UT is more likely to consider other women interested in entering the physics program.
Elizabeth and Drew, and one of their three cats.
Elizabeth is married to Drew, also a very intelligent, capable, and successful scientist who works in the computer field. Next month they will be moving to Seattle, her to start her job at Microsoft, and he to work for Redfin. It will be very interesting to see how the next stages of their lives unfold!
Of course, there are more pictures….
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The only person missing was Elizabeth’s sister who has a brand new baby, but she was definitely here in spirit. We kept in close touch by phone, sent pictures, and carried her around the party by iPad so she could talk to everyone and attend from afar. Technology is a wonderful thing!
My week of bragging is up on Tuesday, well… bragging about this anyway. Tomorrow we’re going to CA to see my other daughter and her husband, and meet the new baby. There will be more news and pictures! We won’t be back in Panama for a couple more weeks but I will keep in touch from afar – maybe work on the website, study some Spanish, and do some other things between helping my daughter and son in law, and spoiling my new grandson. Whew! What a month this is turning out to be.
The Panama Adventure 
congrats for a job well done. I can tell you are so happy with her HUGE accomplishment.
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Thank you! Yes, I am so happy but the congrats definitely go to her.
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sounds like a fantastic month at home. enjoy it and congratulations to everyone! (even if your daughter is one of my sworn enemies as a FSU alum… Go CANES! haha.)
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Thank you so much! And, don’t worry, I don’t think she is fully committed to the team so you can coexist without too much trouble 😉
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A doctor, eh? Listen, tell her I’ve got this pain in my back when I …
You have every right to be a proud momma. Good on her. Good on you, and good on Joel, too.
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I don’t know if she can help your back, but if you want to know something about all that data that comes out of the particle accelerators, she’s your gal. Yes, I am proud and thank you 🙂
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Congratulation to you and both of your daughters!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Wonderful! Love seeing the pictures and, yes, you must brag! We all need to share stories of our families. It’s what will keep us together virtually (and someday not so virtually)! Congrats to your daughter and a happy day for you!
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Thank you! Yep, you are right, the human part of our stories. I try not to brag but this was just too big an accomplishment.
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Congratulations Kris, to you and to your beautiful and brilliant daughter. I expected one day we would meet in Panama–I have been following your blog as my husband and I are considering retiring there, and you have convinced us that the area where you live is just what we’re looking for. But if you come sometime to visit your daughter and son-in-law in Seattle, perhaps we could meet there! We live in Olympia, which is about an hour south of Seattle. Thank you for your wonderful photos…I hope we can meet in person one day.
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Thank you so much and yes, I would love to meet! I may be in Seattle sometime in August, or if you visit our area of Panama definitely look us up. We’ll give you the nickel tour 🙂
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Rains just started here in David at http://www.bambuhostel.com we host many expats here as they begin their journey to a new life in David and Boquete..stop by sometime..its great!
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We stayed at Bambu on our first visit to David! We had a great time and have been back to visit quite a few times. My husband is a musician so naturally he and Greg hit it off and they get together now and then if they can. You all have done really nice things with the place too, and it looks even better than it did when we first saw it. When people ask about places to stay, Bambu is definitely on our recommended list.
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Congratulation to Elizabeth, and to you as well, the proud Mommy!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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What a lovely young woman with an amazing future! You have every right to be proud! Congratulations to all of you! Z
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Enjoy your time with your babies both grown and brand new. Safe journey’s to you and Joel. 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
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Graduations always make me cry!! Do wew call her Dr. Elizabeth!!
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Dr. Elizabeth? I like that!
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