"You too can use your UCLA English Degree to think up synonyms for 'schlong' and 'humping'."

Holy Smokeroos! I just got into Amherst, MA last night where I'm hosting this conference showcase. I'm jumping up and down because I got this email...

Dear Kristina,

The year after you graduated from UCLA, the English department began a tradition of inviting one of our alumni to give a commencement address. For 2008, we would very much like you to be that person! Our department commencement is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 15th (Father’s Day) at 12:30pm in Pauley Pavilion. The event will last approximately 2 hours, and we are asking you to prepare a 10-minute speech to the graduating students on the topic of how your undergraduate education in English has been helpful and relevant to you in your years since graduating. Of course, you are welcome to make your address as serious or as entertaining as you would like! And we would be happy to accommodate any guests (friends or family members) you might like to invite as well. We realize your schedule for June may already be full, but we fervently hope you will be able to join us and contribute to the joy of the day for our graduating majors. Please let me know if you’ll be able to participate at your earliest convenience, and also if there is anything we can do to facilitate your being able to participate, please let me know!

Sincerely,

Janel Munguia Undergraduate Advisor UCLA Department of EnglishThis is so validating! Especially since I was such a crappy and scatterbrained English major when I was there. I am not sure if I can do it or will have to take a raincheck (supposed to be in Florida for six weeks for a residency and need to see if they can fly me and if I can get away for a couple days). They said they would take a rain check for 2009 if they cannot fly me in this time around.

I also think it makes sense that this invite came when it did. I'm really wanting to change my life more and more to live by example and be a better role model. To live with more hope and vision like Obama says we must. (But please, I'm not perfect, so forgive me as I make mistakes along the way. And I will.)

I think the universe sent me this invite because I was buzzing from a great week in San Antonio and found myself writing in my journal, "I am so lucky to be Kristina Wong." I am so so lucky!

I really am happy to be who I am right now. Thank you universe!"....Esteemed Class of 2008, now that I've told you how much money I actually make, and how I've managed to humiliate myself and my family for a living, let's spend the next 9 minutes watching this clip from 'The Secret'!"