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M.A., University of Oregon
The MPA program at UD is unique. It is practical. It combines the classroom with experience. It benefits me a lot since I had no full time experience before. I was also curious about previous international students job prospects. I talked with many current and previous Chinese students from several MPA/MPP programs in the US, most of them top-notch.
The one student from UDs MPA program is the only one who talked about the experience with pure and sincere excitement. There is no doubt that there are valuable opportunities here, which are waiting for me to discover.
Taking 15 credits per semester keeps me busy! I did find it important to earn research experience in health care, and that is why I offered to assist Dr. Paul Solano in his research concerning cost analysis of Delaware substance abuse treatment programs. My summer internship at the VA medical center is most rewarding. It is exciting when my recommendations in the formal report are accepted by the leadership group, and when my data analysis helps them make decisions.
My RA is with Center for Applied Demography and Survey Research (CADSR). I help Dr. Boyer with his book on Delaware government and policy. I collect information and write comments on his draft chapters. It is mostly about internet and library research and comment writing.
I devote most of my free time to contributing to the vitality of UDs Chinese community. Examples include volunteer coordination and fund raising for UDs Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA). As CSSAs newly elected president, I am currently busy with arranging for new Chinese students airport pick-ups and temporary housing.