The December 2009 ILIA Portfolio Show

Friday, December 18, 2009:
After two and a half years of classes, plenty of nights without sleep and just enough energy to get through the day, the time had come for The December 2009 ILIA Portfolio Show! I had been working diligently all quarter to complete my work for the show. After many hours spent in a computer lab (and quite a bit of "change" spent on the materials) it was finally time to present my work to industry, friends and family.

The show began at noon and the Fall 2009 graduates anxiously waited at their respective tables for industry professionals to have a look at their work. Being one of those graduates, I was also poised and ready to share my experiences and knowledge with the pros that mingled my way. After three hours of talking with any interested parties, the room was open to the friends and family of the graduates. The first to arrive at my table was the lovely Darleen Saam, a friend of the family (and one of the Beshel's favorites.) It was nice to have a chance to catch up with Darleen before the rest of the family arrived.

Just after 3p.m., I began to nervously look around to catch a glimpse of any other Beshel's in the room (who, like me, are quite tall and easy to spot.) The first Beshel I saw was my Dad and I just about fell over when I saw him wearing a bowtie. (Side note: the last time I saw my Dad dressed up was, well, I'm not quite sure!) Following my Dad was my brother, my sisters, my step-Mom and my Grandparents--you guessed it: all wearing bowties! My Mom and my step-Dad showed up shortly after, and had also joined "the bowtie club." I couldn't believe that every person that came my way was sporting my most favorite neck accessory (and I must say, they all looked sharp.)

(L to R) Grandma & Grandpa Beshel, Dad, myself,
Sandy (step-Mom), Nicole, Eric and Shannon (siblings):


Before the show ended I had the chance to introduce my family to some of my favorite teachers and my good friend and mentor, Barbara Glass (who also showed up to meet the bunch.) Friends and fellow classmates came by to say hello and have a look at my work.

My good friend, the lovely Barbara Glass and myself:


It truly was an amazing day. I had completed a college degree and was surrounded by my family and most cherished friends. The support I have had over these past years has been priceless and having my family by my side was really all that I could have asked for to share the immense sense of accomplishment I felt that day.

Even now, as I sit and write this post, I am overwhelmed by all the love and support that so many of you have shown me. In return, I vow to keep moving forward with a sense of integrity and pride in everything I do. The lessons I have learned over the years will stay with me as I grow and the commitment I have made to myself to become everything I dream to be has only grown stronger.

The Graduate!:


I look to the future now with a sense of excitement and opportunity. I have found myself overcome with such an intense wave of freedom that I have never felt before. The possibilities are endless, the journey is unknown and I couldn't be more ready to move forward with my path in life. My college degree is my ticket to the success I will achieve and I'm ready to begin this journey into the future, one step at a time.

Thank you to everyone who showed up to support me Friday and a special thanks to my family for taking the time to join me on such a momentous day in my life.

I love you all...

Truly,

R.M.B., The Graduate.

(L to R): Don (step-Dad), Mom, Shannon,
myself, Eric, Nicole (siblings):

My table display at the Portfolio Show:

Myself and one of my favorite instructors (and
personal mentor), Ms. Williams:

All smiles at the Portfolio Show:

Grandpa & Grandma Beshel and myself (in bowties!):

Don, myself and one of my greatest supporters, Mom:

The Beshel bunch!: