- Jennie Camile
My Degree

Discouraged for a moment
Tried so hard not to show it
I thought I was further down this path
Such a ways to go, but no way am I turning back
This is my dream and it may take a while
But slow and untraditional has always been my style
It really doesn’t matter what age I will be
All that matters is that I will get my degree
Long days and late nights
Fear and doubt putting up a good fight
But I knock them down with one word: capable
Yes, this open mind is shapeable
And I will go the distance at whatever pace will get me there
I’ll put in the time, do the work, and say a whole lot of prayers…
Wind out of sails, but only for a second
No, it’s not the date I had projected
But like Grandma Bea always said, “the time will pass either way…”
Might as well put some purpose into each and everyday
This is my dream and I’m further along than I’ve been
It’s challenging and truthfully I want to give up now and then
But courage is found by staying the course
And someday, maybe, I will be the one cited as the reliable source
Tired eyes and aching neck
Put off plans or ask for rain checks
Focused on this sliver of life
I guess you can say I’ve got my eye on the prize
I just want to be better at what I do well
Eventually comfortable in my abilities so I can come out of my shell…
So many dreams I am chasing, this is actually only one of many
But if it’s there for the taking, well I’m as good a candidate as any
And I am starting to see the power in knowledge
When I was young, I didn’t see the benefit of college
It’s not about some fancy office or a hefty paycheck
It’s about attaining little pieces that help life make more sense
I have a dream and UCLA here I come…
A couple years more, but I won’t stop till I’m done
Dreams are magical and how amazing it will be
When in these two hands I finally hold my degree…