I are a College Graduate... Again.

Today I had the great opportunity to take part in the Fall 2008 Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) graduation. I received an Associate in Applied Science in Communications Applications Technology.

This is a really big milestone and step in my Air Force career. For those who are unaware, a CCAF degree is a requirement for receiving Senior Rater Authority which you need in order to be promoted to the ranks of Senior Master Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant (the 2 highest ranks in the enlisted corps). It is also a strong example to those I supervise of the importance of higher education.

It took me a while to complete this AA degree. Pretty surprising too since all but 3 credits were covered when I transferred the credits from my Bachelor's at UW. Still it was over a year before I got the time (or more correctly, chose to take the time) to take the test for the Public Speaking class.

It was actually fairly easy once I decided to do it. A short written test, 10 minutes of preparation time on a given topic, and a 3-5 minute speech on the topic. A grand total of about 1 hour, and yet more than a year elapsed before I did it. I'm certainly glad I did. It has really lifted a weight from my shoulders that I didn't realize was even there. It hadn't even hit me how much pressure I had from everyone telling me that I should finish the degree.

But I did it. I got the diploma. I heard the applause. And it feels great!