Hometown: Batangas City, Philipines; Katy, Texas
MPA Track: Taxation
Class Status: 4th-year MPA
Estimated Graduation Date: Spring 2012
Why did you choose to attend The University of Texas at Austin?
I applied to transfer to several out-of-state schools, and UT was the only Texas school I applied to. Knowing that I could save more money by staying in Texas, I chose UT. It wasn’t really something deep or anything like that, but after being here for more than a year, I can definitely say I made the right decision. I realized that your experience here is what you make of it. I got involved in several organizations, worked as an orientation advisor, and took advantage of all the great resources that the University offers. Within one year, I went to New York City, saw the President of the United States, and met my most admired musician–none of which would have happened if I hadn’t gone to UT! Hook ‘em!
Why did you choose the MPA program?
It is the No. 1 accounting program in the nation, and it definitely lives up to that title. Being in the program makes me realize that the true value of education does not lie in grades, but on the dedication and inspiration the instructors impart, and to just enjoy learning and be able to use what we have learned in the real world.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
It would have to be the Fine Arts Library. Not only is it a great place to study, but it also has really comfortable couches where I take naps. I also like the fact that I can always check out and watch a DVD whenever I need to take a break from studying.
Where are your favorite places to go and favorite things to do in Austin?
One of my strangest, yet most favorite hobby is grocery shopping, so you can usually find me at Central Market, Whole Foods, or HEB on the weekends. I also like checking out what’s new in the music scene, and downtown Austin has some of the coolest music venues I’ve been to. I also love watching the sun rise on Mount Bonnell, so whenever I am not too overloaded with schoolwork, I always try to go there.
What are your favorite free time activities?
- Playing the piano and the guitar, and just being in tune with my creative side.
- Reading. I have a collection of psychology and self-help books. I find psychology so fascinating!
- Cooking and putting my own twist on different traditional recipes.
- Online fashion shopping, anyone?
Hi. I wonder why did you choose the taxation track and what is your career plan? Thanks.
Hi Wendy!
Thanks for the question. That is actually what my next post will be about: why I picked accounting and the tax track and what I plan on getting out of both. But to give you a summary, I picked tax because after taking my accounting classes, tax was the one that interested me the most. Also, I like researching and being able to use that to help my future clients in evaluating the tax consequences of their activities.
hi,Karen
I am a Chinese girl,and i am going to apply your school’s MPA. Can you give me some advice about application? I think you must have classmates from China, and i will appreciate you if you can introduce them to me .
thanks a lot
The MPA International Connection student group could be a good source of information about student life and international students. The web page is here http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/career/mpa/current_students/InternationalStudents/intl.asp. For general questions about admissions, please see the MPA program webpage for international applicants http://new.mccombs.utexas.edu/MPA/Traditional-MPA/Admissions/International-Applicants.aspx . There is also an admissions blog written by Keri Ledezma, our admissions coordinator. The blog is at http://blogs.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa-admissions/ and if you’d like to e-mail Keri directly, her e-mail address is keri.ledezma@mccombs.utexas.edu. I hope you find these resources helpful!
Hello, it’s my pleasure to communicate with you . I’m a junior from Harbin Institute of Technology and willing to apply for MPA in fall 2012 . After searching the relative information on the web , I can not find extra details about Chinese MPAs. Hence, could you introduce me some Chinese fellow students and we can talk about his/her successful application experience. What’s more, I have passed the Chinese CPA exams-Accounting ,Tax, and Corporate Strategy and Risk Management. I don’t know whether they will help my applicaiton. Thanks a lot.
Hi, our MPA International Connection student group could be a good source of information about student life and international students. The web page is here http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/career/mpa/current_students/InternationalStudents/intl.asp. For general questions about admissions, please see the MPA program webpage for international applicants http://new.mccombs.utexas.edu/MPA/Traditional-MPA/Admissions/International-Applicants.aspx . There is also an admissions blog written by Keri Ledezma, our admissions coordinator. The blog is at http://blogs.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa-admissions/ and if you’d like to e-mail Keri directly, her e-mail address is keri.ledezma@mccombs.utexas.edu. I hope you find these resources helpful!