Graduation: May 2009

After many years...I finally graduated! This is a huge accomplishment for me because there were so many obstacles that kept on standing in my way. I began at Berkeley in the fall of 2002 and due to financial reasons had to withdraw for two years to work full time. This decision broke my heart because I had worked so hard in high school to attend college, and then there I was, (forced) to take time off. Everyone kept on telling me that after working full time it would be hard to go back to school, but I never listened. I always knew it in my heart that I would return because that was the goal I had given myself and I would not stop until I had accomplished that goal. After paying the school what I owed and all the loans I had taken out, I was finally able to return to continue my education. Taking two years off had actually proved to be a great decision because I came back more mature, more committed and I possessed a stronger work ethic. While working full time I was also able to meet the man that would become my husband, Tony.

Returning to school this time around was much easier for me because I had Tony by my side. He helped me so much in so many ways that my accomplishment is as much his as it is mine. This time around I was able to take advantage of many things Berkeley had to offer, such as studying abroad in Portugal and on The Scholar Ship. Those experiences have shaped who I am and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people that are very important in my life. During my first two years at CAL I met some wonderful friends that I treasure so much, but the lucky thing is that my last three years at CAL I was able to meet another group of amazing friends that I would have never met had I stayed in Berkeley and graduated in time.

I am proud to say that in a total of five years I double majored in International Political Economy and Latin American Studies, I minored in Portuguese Language and Literature, I studied abroad in Portugal and overseas in a program that allowed me to visit: Italy, France, Greece, Portugal (again), Panama, Ecuador, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, China (Shanghai), and Hong Kong. Berkeley gave me the best education and the most extraordinary opportunities; I am very thankful and proud to be a UC Berkeley Alumn!

But before I finish, I dedicate my degree to my mother because I would not be the woman I am if it wasn't for her. She is the strongest woman I know and she has sacrificed her life for her kids. Thanks to her I was able to have the opportunity to obtain a bachelor degree and her belief in me gave and continues giving me the strength to push forward.