Wow, so it’s been a bit since I blogged…but i’m back! To sum up my time away, it’s just been pure & utter business. First of all:
I started my final year (2 semesters) of my Masters in Public Administration (MPA). I had to take the summer off due to needing to be “full-time” in order to get financial aid. As a person who’s been consistently in school for so long, it was weird/enjoyable taking a break from school. Unfortunately, it took me a few weeks to get back into the swing of things…but I’m now back in the drivers seat back to the grind! I’m taking a research class for my capstone project (final project) and Public Budgeting & Finance this semester.
I also finished up and closed my Internship at the Rhode Island Office of Innovation. It was quite the experience to be working with such diligent and dedicated public servants in trying to detangle the beaurocratic web of government with INNOVATION & COLLABORATION. I’m thankful for my time there, the relationships/connections I made, and everyone has a special place in my heart.
In happy/sad news….my 2000 Volvo V70 Stationwagon finally had enough and decided to give me more than I could handle ($3,000+ in things to fix on a Kelly Blue Book value $500 car). With the help of my parents (via telephone), I went to a used-car dealer and found this beauty! This is my new car! It’s a 2012 Volvo (what a surprise) S60 T5. It’s a great car and i’m honoured and blessed to be in a position to get a car like this with the help of my parents!
I also started up a new season of Indoor Football (Soccer for you Americans…) with my squad (not all pictured). This picture was taken after a win. FC Golacticos is the team name, and i’m the goalkeeper. For those who don’t know me…I love football. From watching it (Chelsea & Celtic) and playing it. it’s a passion that I’ll carry on for my entire life most likely.
I also went to Providence WaterFire for the first time in my almost 3 years of living here in Rhode Island. I somehow thought that there was more to this, but regardless….it was prety neat and I managed to snag some awesome pictures with my Cannon Rebel T1i (as pictured above).
I also got ‘nominated’ and selected by the American Society for Public Administrators (ASPA) to be on the November ballot for the position of “Student Representative”. It’s quite the honor that I even made it this far. I’m currently in the process of putting together my candidate information and hoping for the best. Regardless of the results of the election, I’m just happy I had the opportunity and honour of representing my school and ASPA chapter in National ASPA!
I also hope to stay consistent on this…. (keyword HOPE).
Here are some upcoming TRIPS/Adventures that are coming soon:
- Rhode Island Value Based Leadership Conference (@ Providence College)
- RI – ASPA Fall Colloquium (Ret. Judge Edward Clifton – Social Justice)
- New England Conference on Public Administration (NECOPA) (@ University of Vermont, Burlington).