 Name: David Abella, graduate student,
political science/public administration
Undergrad degree: B.A., political science,
2005
Hometown:
Concord, CA.
Why SF State?
"I believe that SF State was a part of my destiny. My mother attended SF State when
she was pregnant with me; the first signs of her contractions happened while
she was studying in the Student Union (now called the Cesar Chavez Student
Center). As an infant I attended classes with her as she completed her B.A.
Two decades later I returned as a student and have added to a growing
legacy of my family that has graduated from SF State -- I guess you could
say it's a family affair."
Favorite place
to spend time on campus:
"The Cesar Chavez Student Center
is the center for student life on our campus. I frequent these facilities for
studying, eating, resting, socializing, business, recreation, everything
really."
If you could meet anyone, living
or dead, who would he/she be?
"My paternal grandfather passed away when I was very young. If I
could meet anyone it would be him. Knowing, first hand, the stories of
our predecessors is vital to understanding who we are today."
Latest accomplishment:
"I have recently been accepted as a congressional intern for the Panette Internship
Program in Washington, D.C. I am dedicated to making the most of this tremendous
opportunity."
Advice to new students:
"Make the most out of your college experience by trying new things. It's important to
stay focused on your education in the classroom, but this campus offers so many more
opportunities to learn about the world as you interact with the student body. Do your
best to not leave any stone on this campus unturned. Often, it's not until you leave a
place that you realize how much you left behind."
Favorite SF State faculty members:
"I would have to say the two Dans in Asian American Studies --
Dan Begonia and Dan Gonzales. Both of them have been role models for me here. People who I have really looked up
to as more than just mentors, but as elders, as a part of the Filipino American community. They are
people who helped me feel at home."
Heroes:
"My father and mother. I don't really look for heroes outside of the family
like in media or anything like that. I really feel that heroes are the people
who you want to live your life after. And I think my father is probably the
biggest hero in my life. Just seeing him and seeing how he has put so much
on the line to sacrifice and support his family, help his children get their
education. He's someone I look to for guidance and who ultimately I want to be like."
Favorite quote:
"'We stand on their shoulders.' It's actually a quote you see on the Filipino Community
Mural [on the north wall of the Student Center]. It's something that really means a lot
to me because it shows that as a person here at this University, I'm only here because
of those who came before me -- who made a path so I could be here."
In five years you'll be:
"Done with all of my graduate studies and working to improve our public education sysytem."
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