Oh yeah, MSW baby!!

Well, I did it. I'm officially a graduate of the Baylor University School of Social Work!! Two long, hard years has proven to be completely worth it!

As most of you know, the two years started out incredibly hard for me. Between my own issues I have the difficulty of moving into a city I had never previously visited with a school which I had only visited once. Through the challenges I was able to find the diamond in the rough. Through my time here I have met incredible people that have allowed me to grow, both emotionally and spiritually. From the faculty at the BU SSW to my fellow students, I have been challenged beyond belief, and I believe, have become a better person, and social worker, because of it.

While today was filled with amazing laughs and happiness, it was also filled with bittersweet sadness because of the goodbyes that were shared. Whether moving, getting married, or simply going away from the summer, we all said goodbye to something.

I'm hard at goodbyes - I can't let go. For me, I need you close. Friends and supports are very important to me and to let them go is never easy. I will miss everyone more than they will ever know.

On the same note, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my friends who have prayed for me, encouraged me, and supported me since my days at Ouachita (Erin, that's you!) Without you, I wouldn't be where I am.

And, now, I begin looking forward again. I have a whopping total of 18 hours at Truett Seminary, so I will once again be in this place in exactly one year! I'm anxious to get back to school and get this one last degree knocked out.

So, from this moment on, I shall be known as Leslie Blake, MSW (concentration in family and children, with a specialization in church social work).