Lieutenant Saxy Man

I know exactly the kind of kid Cody was when he was in high school (second post in a row that started, "I know". Either I am really smart or I am full of it). He still has some of the traits from back in those days; he loves the outdoors; he is fascinated with history, and he still thinks the ICUP joke is funny. He was a bit of a jock, most likely cocky, as all high school jocks tend to be. He didn't take school very seriously. He never did homework, he didn't care about his grades, and his dad was worried that Cody was even going to graduate from high school. And judging by the longer hair he had, which required him to swish his head to the side, while combing his fingers through his bangs, he must have been quite the ladies man.

I think you get the picture. Flash forward over a dozen years later and you will find a different kid, who no longer swishes his hair, and now takes school a little more seriously. In May, Cody graduated from dental school, after years and years and years of working hard, studying, and sacrificing to get to this point. Cody's parents were able to come to Pittsburgh for the graduation ceremony and for me, and hopefully for Cody, it was really great to see him graduate.

[sidenote: we got stuck in an elevator from the eighteenth century right before the ceremony. It was hot, small, crowded, and I was convinced it was going to snap and plummet eight floors to our death. I really did. I was a little panicky in my head, trying to hold back tears and remain calm in front of my in-laws (I am real smooth in emergencies)].

[Second side note: (this is for Rachel W.) The dental school shared its graduation ceremony with the dental hygiene program. Most of these girls are two years out of high school and have a slightly different perspective on life. One of the girls who spoke at the ceremony actually commented on the different hairstyles the girls have had over the last two years, dating and breaking up, and my personal favorite, their hormones cycles becoming in sync.]

[Third side note: Upon graduation from dental school, Cody became Dr. Cody Nelson, DMD. I, of course, must reference the scene from Spies Like Us ("Doctor." "Doctor." "Doctor." "Doctor." "Doctor." "Doctor.") and he was also commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. You know what quote I am going to use here . . .("Lieutenant saxy man.")]

I am so proud of Cody. I have watched for eight years as he worked hard, struggled through late nights of homework, taking tests, getting up early to study-- all this from a kid who still does not like school. But he was determined to make it through, and he did. Well done, Cody. Well done.

(Fourth side note: If you are wondering what changed the slacker known as Cody in high school, he attributes it to serving his mission. He says it taught him how to study and it helped him believe in his potential).

And let's face it, not everything has changed. He still is a ladies man- he is surrounded by three girls that love him to pieces.

(Photography by Elisabeth)