Visit SF State - Word on the Street - David Abella
Name...
David Abella
Title...
Grad Student, Political Science/Public Administration
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 Centeris 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 Icould 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 InternshipProgram 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 peoplewho 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.
