22. Complete my Master's Degree

Complete: 12/05/2013
 

Official diploma



Although the official conclusion to this semester is not until Commencement on December 21, 2013, I'm checking it off early because this date is when I turned in the last class paper I will ever write at the last class session of my grad school career.

College is a privilege that some may have the means to take advantage of or overlook as an opportunity worth undertaking. For me, pursuing college was to show my immigrant parents, who came and worked hard in blue collar work to give me a better life that their years of enduring long, hard hours so that they could provide a comfortable lifestyle for me, was not for naught.

I was lucky enough to find the means to fully fund my undergraduate degree through scholarships. It was during my years in college that I found my true passion and career path: within student affairs. I had joined an honor society called Golden Key in my sophomore year, and enjoyed my experience both as a general member and serving on the executive board. In fact, I chose to stay on after I graduated as an advisor to continue my involvement with this group.

This and other experiences I had that enhanced my undergraduate experience motivated me to remain at my University after graduation and start my career there. My current position is a perfect fit for me at the moment. My responsibilities include organizing college events, overseeing our college's ambassador program and scholarship recipients, and assisting students in whatever ways our office can to navigate college and/or enhance their undergraduate experience. 

Since I knew that I want to stay at my alma mater and establish my career in higher education, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in Educational Administration, with an emphasis in Higher Education. Tuition is free for employees, so why not? Again, I was fortunate to again not have to pay much out of my own pocket for my graduate degree. In three years' time, I have taken twelve classes that taught me about the history and finances of higher education, student development, leadership in higher education, the physical environment and how that can influence students' experiences in higher education, and even a course devoted to community colleges. 

I hope that my family is proud. I thank them, especially my sister, for providing me the guidance and helping me develop the character traits needed to persevere and excel in school. I am also fortunate for the mentors, advisors, professors, and peers who helped me figure out what it was that I wanted to do with my life. I am also grateful for all the wonderful students and colleagues that I work with, whom continue to inspire me and motivate me in my work in higher education.