My MPA Graduation - June 13, 2010

Exactly five months ago on a dry, oppressively hot California summer morning, I walked across a stage and accepted my Master of Public Administration from California State University, East Bay. I graduated magna cum laude with a 3.89, and was a member of two professional honor societies - no small feat for a girl who used to hate school :)



I had the honor of sharing that experience with my grad school family, known within the MPA program as "Group Awesome." We have had two amazing years together, and I credit my success in school to their influence. We shared late night study sessions, huge group projects, more margarita pitchers than we care to discuss, a cougar observation outing at Petar's, birthdays, beer pong, weddings, movie nights, and even one traumatic event. I love these folks for giving me the intellectual and social stimulation I needed in the two years I've been unemployed, and I can't thank them enough for helping me successfully finish grad school. Also, I'm sure we're all relieved that we will never have to edit each other's papers ever again ;)

Dinner and movie night at my house

La Pinata, our after school hang out for margaritas.

Petar's for dancing and cougar watching.

A salon project for Philosophy of Public Administration.

Playing beer pong at my 25th birthday.

Lunch at the New Zealander with Professor Brem.

Jake's wedding in Chico.

My wedding in September.


Graduation was a mercifully short affair, although it was filled with awkward speeches by people we'd never heard of before. I tried to immerse myself in my last few hours with my classmates, and busied myself helping everyone pin their hoods to their gowns. Since we graduated at our satellite campus in Concord, I took in the beautiful surrounding scenery of Mt. Diablo and tried to not feel sad that I'd never set foot on campus again.

The view from the front of the school.

My favorite Oakland PD cop :)

My fellow Pi Alpha Alpha girls.

A few of the Concord cohort MPA grads

Rockin' the school colors.


Since no graduation post would be complete without mention of the people who made it all possible, I must give a shout out to my darling family. They came to the ceremony, helped prepare my house for my open house party, and brought tons of bomb ass Filipino food to feed my friends. I am so lucky to have such amazing support.

My sister Janina and her husband Dan.

Steve and Ashley, our best man and bridesmaid.

My proud parents.

My then-fiance :)

The siblings! Aileen, Janina, me and Daniel.


After graduation, we headed back to our house for the open house party. Brian had just completed his Master of Homeland Security, so we considered it a joint event. We had all the makings of a great party - lots of food, cake, a chocolate fountain, open bar and a keg - but the weather did not cooperate. I ended up drunk, dehydrated, and sweating the entire time. Luckily, my friends helped keep the morale up and we all ended up having a great time despite the 100* weather.

My backyard before guests arrived. So shady. Too bad it wouldn't last.

The Filipino food spread.

Our graduation cake.

Brian wanted to wear a hula skirt and an aloha shirt.


Whether it was the dehydration or many tequila shots, I failed to take photos during the actual party. There were easily 50 people at my house at the peak of the party, and I was overwhelmed trying to greet everyone. Amid the champagne toasts, beer pong, and hilarious conversations, I realized that I was a very lucky girl to have such great friends. Thank you to everyone who made my graduation such an amazing experience!