Life as a hockey player herself dealing with growing up with 3 brothers all close in age who are all in the NHL. Payton has to choose between brothers, friendships, and relationships in her life that may not be easy.
"Payton Olivia Strome." I take a deep breath, smile, and walk up the stairs to get on the stage to retrieve my diploma. I shake the hands of many different people then lastly when I get to my coach, I give him the biggest hug ever, but a quick one obviously. He was the guy who taught me so much on and off of the ice. He was my role model throughout my college career and helped me with whatever I needed. I had waited along time for this moment. 4 years to be exact... also a couple more hours since my last name starts with a S which is at the end of the alphabet.
After everyone got their diploma, there was one last speech, and we all threw our caps up in the air. Everyone scurried to meet up with their friends and family to start celebrating. I had my own little professional photographer following me around- my mother who loves taking pictures. Photography is her favorite pastime. I made sure to get one final hug and 'see ya later' to some of my best friends I had made while at the University of Minnesota. I introduced my parents and brothers to my favorite professors, coaches, roommates, teammates, and friends which was a very special moment to me.
"So where are we eating?" Dylan questions because all he cares about is food. "The capital grille!" I exclaim. Both Dylan and Ryan look at me all happy. "Why are you guys so happy about a restaurant?" My mom asks. "It's only the best in Minneapolis, mom. Every time we play the wild, we have meet up with Pay and eat at this place." Ryan explains. "It's my graduation dinner so price doesn't matter, eh?" I laugh knowing this place is kind of expensive especially for a family of 5.
As I sit at the table, waiting for dinner, I decided to make my little old sappy Instagram post with some pictures from my four years here.
Instagram: @paytonstrome
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2472 likes 38 comments "This is only a see you later, not a goodbye. Thank you to the University of Minnesota for these amazing four years. I will never forget all of the memories and people I have met here. Being a gopher has been very awarding and I couldn't imagine me playing hockey for any other team. 3 national titles in my 4 years?! Thank you to all of my professors, coaches, roommates, teammates, family and friends for pushing me to the best of my abilities. I wouldn't have made it through college without any of you. Peace out MN"
@jakeguentzel "Congrats Payton for graduating from the best school ever. I think you just earned the #1 spot for the best Strome." > "thanks Jake!! Gophs for life. & you're telling me I haven't been in first place all along?? Always been on top of the list." @emdavie00 "wow, crying already I miss you so much. Thank you for being my best friend from the very first day on campus, thanks for all of the memories, cries, karaoke battles, and for being the best beer pong partner there is on Saturdays. Love you gf, love these pics!! I'll be making my way to Canada very soon to visit you!" @dylanstrome "you fucking made it sis! We are all very proud of you. Can't wait to live it up next season in Chitown!" @williamnylander "$200 g's for a piece of paper?? Haha congrats 🍾"
After dinner, it was time to go back around the town to some of my favorite spots before we leave tomorrow morning. My brothers know Minnesota pretty well as they play here throughout the season against the Minnesota Wild. My parents haven't really gotten to know where I've been living that well, in my four years, they had always tried to make it down to watch my games about 2-3 times a month. Due to their work schedules, it makes it difficult as they cannot get a couple days off here and there. It's also a lot as we're in different countries.
Mall of America is really one of those places that hurt my bank account while I've been here. I'm going to be leaving with more clothes than I came with. I know my mom loves shopping as much as I do, so just us girls will be going there while my dad and brothers have some guy time.
"I'm not sure how I'm going to get everything back on the plane home" I say looking at all the stuff I just bought at MOA.
