College Search is On

   So, as my vacation approached so is the beginning of college campus tour. It was planned that this summer would be focused on narrowing down the choices for Pherry's programs. We tried to focus on schools near Boston, excellent program in computer science or engineering and urban setting. Not necessarily in that order but those are his priorities. It is always good to focus on schools that are strong in the program/s your child is interested in and to apply to as many as possible. Cost should also be considered but for us, it isn't the priority. Cost should only brought in when you are accepted and you are comparing two colleges, everything else being equal except the cost--- then go for the option which gives you more financial aid. You have to check out all your choices to see the campus feel and observe if that is the culture you'd want to be around with. It's four years of your life, you want to make sure you fit in to the new environment. Also, the friends you meet here maybe your life-long friends as well as colleagues so make sure you are going to a school that focuses on your values and field of study. 

So, we went to 6 colleges in total--- 2 Ivy 1 semi-Ivy, 2 state university and a private school well-known for robotics engineering/computers as that's what Pherry likes. Except for one, all visits were on very hot and humid days!  On the first day, we visited Wentworth Institute of Technology and Massachusetts  Institute of Technology . Both very reputable schools especially for engineering and technology. We liked MIT for it's vibrant campus and knowledgeable guides and admissions counsellor. WIT on the other hand did not have an information session, just campus tour. They are missing out on that because that is their chance to highlight why they're one of the best schools. 

Next, we visited Boston University which has a very urban campus so the vibe is high. It is very strong in the field of engineering also. The tour was long and thorough and the presentation of the admissions committee was cool--- makes you feel welcome as well as to stay in the city of Boston. It has a sprawling campus albeit, expensive levelling up to MIT and Harvard tuitions. 

Pherry liked what he saw. 

Next was Brown University in Rhode Island. It has the most beautiful campus of all we've visited so far. I loved everything about it but the kids loved the open curriculum. They believe that aside from your major, you shouldn't be forced to study subjects that does not interest you therefore anyone who enrolled in your class is there because they like it--makes a better class of individuals with the same interest. It is also beside famed Rhode Island School of Design and you can take dual degree awarded by both institutions. 

Then we visited University of Massachusetts Boston. The campus was great but I did not like the vibes at all. They have good academic reputation but not so much with engineering. The kids didn't like it either. It's close to our home so that's a plus I guess. Another positive side is that since it is a public institution, tuition is very affordable and they give merit scholarship. 

I should probably discuss the difference of academic/merit scholarship vs. financial aid. Merit awards are for academic achievements and awarded depending on the criteria selected by institution. It can be awarded to anyone meeting the academic standards set. This also can be in addition to any financial aid already accorded due to financial hardship. Meanwhile, financial aid are given to those in need of tuition assistance. The total package given is calculated based on EFC or expected family contribution. The EFC is based of the submission of FAFSA and calculated based on your and your family's ability to pay/ share in your education. Most schools are on BLIND ADMISSIONS. They accept you based on your merit. When accepted, based on your EFC, they will meet all the other finances as they offer you admission. For example, based on EFC, your family can contribute $30,000 and the full tuition and fees including board and lodging is $65,000, they will pay the $35,000, your family pays the rest. It can still be expensive no matter what but that's when you apply for private grants. Big corporation usually sponsor academic achievers on the field so that can contribute too. 

Okay, so the last school we visited was Umass Amherst. The flagship campus of UMASS. It is beautiful! But also far away. It's 2.5hours drive from Boston. It's good and selective in engineering, it's affordable being a state college but not an urban campus. I loved the vibe in that campus. They have an old reputation as a party university but based on my experience, you can go to the most selective and expensive school and end- up as loser or go to the most unknown one and be succesful. It's up to you. 

 

So many contrast in these schools we visited but at the same time, offers great fusion of what really matters when considering colleges. They all say they want someone who is academically inclined but also someone who used all the opportunities offered to them. They want parents to help their children reach their goal by helping them decide the convoluted process. Obviously cost is a major factor for me and my family but I assured Pherry that whatever he wants to do, I can point out why it is a good choice and why he should consider something else but in the long run, it is his choice it is his career after all. I found out college here is very different than back home. We didn't have the open curriculum, we had block sections and strict curriculum to follow. I would have been happier to enroll in classes I like knowing that the choices I have all lead to my goal. 

Over all it was so much fun and time for bonding for my family too,  the younger kids joke about not having to do it again and I lectured them that now they know the GPA and SAT needed to get to your school of choice and they just ignore me. Ha!

What about you, what did you do on your summer vacation? Were you a helicopter parent? What is your priority in choosing college? Let me know, leave me a message. 

Dear Pherry- An Open Letter to a 17-year old

Dear Kuya Pherry,

I write this as I am lying down here early in the morning while looking at your handsome face--- while asleep. 

Today, you turn 17 and as always, I asked you what you plan or want to mark this day. As always, you say,  nothing, none, I'm good mom or let's just hang out. That pretty much sums how simple and beautiful your mind is. 

As a young boy, you have the creativity of an artist, Lego and bricks are always strewn all over the floor as drawings of your superheroes and Manga characters lined the fridge. But you also have that always-on-the-go brain that needs to be fed with information. The library and Marbles store were your favorite place---- not the playground like most kids your age. 

You were always there for me during tumultuous times of our life. You gave me every reason to hold on and carry on but mostly to march on and move forward. I cannot fathom, at your young age how you can be full of wisdom. Not many people know the wisdom you have and how you propelled me to higher level to make life a little easier. Most kids would have collapsed or hid on their shell.

Over the years, you have surprised me more. Remember the time you came home with a note that your essay was 3rd place? How about the time Mrs Witner told me when I picked you up from school that you were chosen to be one of the few kids to go to Milton Academy for their program? You have given me and your dad countless reasons to be proud parents. You hate being coached, you like to do things on your own--- you feel better with the awards if none of it comes from any help. In fact, you hate to be number one, if it meant I will make you study more and sleep less. Funny how during your middle school graduation, you never had any awards whatsoever. None. Not that I was expecting anything, but I was still so surprised when almost all the people I meet at your school seem to recognize that you're an absolute brilliant mind. But I should know, right? You are non-traditional. You like learning differently and if you have your way, you'd much rather have no award system. 

While you were entering that teenager stage, it was difficult for me and you for so many reasons. We fought, we disagreed and we hurt each other along the way. But never did you disappoint me with anything, I want you to know that. I may say it sometimes but know that you never disappoint me.  You always know your priority and I know deep inside you always want us to be proud of you. I remember when we went to your high school, the honor student line-up was posted and we looked for your name. We couldn't find you! Not in the honors and high honors. I wasn't disappointed, it was your first year in high school and I understand you could be grappling your way. Amidst the sea of Le, Li, Leung ( all brilliant kids), I see your name in the Distinction area. There you are, not honors mom, not high honors but distinction. It amazes me how even though your study style is always in question--- by me (hahahah), you excel. We've had endless argument when I tell you to sleep because you've been playing that LOL, which in the beginning you'd say " it's League of Legends,mom." Eh, punyemas, lagi na Lang and you'd just shrug your shoulder and make that look which then makes me angry more but one time you told me that I look like that when I am upset. So I guess we're even. 

I've driven you to dances, banquets and other events in school, sometimes half-asleep.  All memorable I must say and I know you know what I'm gonna say next--- picture! But you know what is so memorable for me? That day you learned to do your tie! You were so handsome and that day felt like it was the beginning of your young adult life. You were so ecstatic to tell me you finally did it. Honestly, I don't even remember what you were going out for, what just stands out from that memory is that TIE. I encouraged you to use other ties from then on, but you stick with that blue thrifted YSL tie. Oh, so handsome were you.

Last week, another phase in your life started. You'd tease me if I tell you, I hash tagged all our photos #pherrygoestocollege and #collegesearchIsOn. On our first day, we teased you because you were so dapper. And you just say, MIT. Hahahahah. 

I wish you'd get in to your preferred college but if not, know that you shape you future, your vision is yours and your experience is your own doing. You can be as successful and happy wherever, I know that. I look at you during those college tours and for a moment or two, I shed tears. You have grown up so much already. Soon, you're in college! I'm already in tears as I write this, imagine when you're packing for dorms!

Im happy and excited and that convoluted emotions altogether. I'm happy for you because I know that happy feeling of venturing out in the world like it's all brand new, that the world is a new planet to conquer and that youthful strength tells you, you can do it. I'm excited for you, yes I am! I know you can do so much more and college is the time to know what you really want to be. Pherry, you do not have to be just one great THIS. You can venture and be everything you want to try. You are young, this is the time to experiment, to travel and to pick and choose the path. Also, the path doesn't have to be straight to the goal. That'd be boring. As long as you know your GOAL and the VALUES we taught you along the way, take any road, I know you'd be great.

As you turn 17, I am also scared and afraid. Most of your friends are now 18. I know you are a responsible young man but the world is your teacher too. I know you circle yourself with good kids like you, but you're 17! That's one hell of a time for young people like you. Please let me be your friend, let me be your confidant. I want you to make me your champ, your supporter and the go-to person whenever you have doubts and fears. I promise to be your friend when you need one and your parent when I have to. 

The road to your life is long but it is bright   Ahead of you, there's success waiting. There will be roadblocks as well as tidal waves, with your brilliant mind and simple joys and loving heart, it will be easy. 

I always tell you and you may be tired of it and you may not want the Internet to know this but--- take the good ones only baby, leave the bad behind. Take the values I try to instill in you and the world is your playground. 

Son, anak, on your 17th birthday, I bless you with the Lord's abundant blessing and wish you a successful life ahead.  With a simple heart like you, succes is much different. I can see you huddled in the corner experimenting on something, creating a new phenomenon while your business partners figure out the financial part, all of which you have no interest whatsoever. I love you with all my heart, you are the role model of your younger siblings and anak, show everyone I am successful--- because anak, I have nothing, nothing at all but you. If you become a good Christian and good member of our community, then I am succesful. I always tell you anak, my only success is to see all of you successful in life-- live a fulfilled life. Be my first success anak. I love you. 

Always,

Mama 

New Reupholstery Pattern for my Thrifted Chair

I love this print, but it's now dirty. 

 It's very French deco but as I said, dirty. 

Besides, the replacement is as lovely!

 If you ask me, it's so Lilly Pulitzer or Moschino. Say what? Hahahah. This is Home Seasons by Waverly. 

Tada here's my beauty! 

This chair has some good bones on it so I kept it after all these years. 

Which brings me to the kitchen, needs cleaning! Hahahahah! What have you DIY'd lately?

Bring the Greens In

While my husband was working on the yard, I spotted these beauties. 

Here's the hands-on man of the house. 

Anyway, here's what I did! 

I placed them by the great room over the big window. So pretty with my yellow pillows! 

I wasn't gonna throw any, so I placed them here too! 

By the wash area downstairs. So lovely! 

They bring some textured and much needed color indoors plus they're free! Did I say fesh and free!

You're welcome!

End of School Year 2015

As everyone probably knows, our district closed schools late in June because of all the snow days. 

Finally the kids are now off ( June 26) and so far they have been enjoying it. KC had friends over yesterday, we've been to the beach once and today we visited the winery where Chris bought our wedding wine and had it personalized. It was actually sweet he wanted to bring me there. 

Here are some photos from the Diamond Hill Winery in Cumberland RI. 

It's been two weeks since and I love it knowing the kids are at home and they kiss me so gladly when I get home from work. Pherry is busy with our birds Echo and Hedwig, Josh is my "plant buddy" and KC is having fun with her cousins Tres and Precious. 

 Here are some photos of our flowers outside. 

We've also been spending lots of time by the deck with our new candle scents. 

I've been obsessed with the new plants I keep rearranging!

And oh, I've been eating lots of halo-halo ( shaved ice with Filipino ingredients). 

I also did a couple of shopping days, coz I can't resist! After all, it's Nordstrom Anniversary sale. But I've been obsessed with J Crew lately so i confess I may or may have not been there too much this past week. In fact, I went back to grab this adorable headband for KC coz I originally gifted same to my godchild Erikka. KC thinks it's so Taylor-- you know, Taylor Swift.Hahahahaha. 

As you all know, the husband loves fishing so we've done a couple of trips since school's off. 

Lest I forget, we've been invited by good friends to explore Newport Rhode Island. It's an incredible group of friends and I had such a good time. 

For the holiday ( the 4th), I got to spend time with my bestfriends Grace and Marisol. Sorry HG, no picture with you. I spent the afternoon with these incredible ladies who despite of our crazy life apart never seem to disconnect. 

And this cutie patootie? Oh so cute!

Till next time when I can actually update as it happens. Sorry. 

KC's First Dance

Okay, I'd get it if you feel like I'm making such a big deal out of this. Let me see--- I missed a baby shower for a very special friend coz I wanted to devote my whole day to her hair coloring and shoe shopping and I left work early to make sure her outfit and over-all look is acceptable--- according to what I imagined my daughter would have been wearing. That was not that bad, right? I wasn't making a big deal of it! NO! Not at all! Hahahaha

Anyway, this was Sunday before the day. 

I am blessed to have such a good daughter. I told her as this was her first major shopping for an event of her own, she can choose any she wants without following my 3-rules when shopping. I'll tell you about that some other time. Anyway, she still chose this shoes that were on super clearance--- size 5! 

On the day of the event, I left work early. Why risk it? Those pesky photos will haunt you forever if God forbids one hair is out of place 😜. She already had a dress in mind so that was easy. We put minimal make-up and her was just to the side in a bun which she accented with her super old faux-pearl headband. While we were getting ready, her dad comes knocking in the bathroom and suggested we use KC's old tiara from her 7th bday, " coz he found it." I felt so bad seeing how he looked when we told him : "NO."

We were in such a rush coz they will close the door if they don't get there on time. I got ugly pictures. 

This ugly picture with my lovely daughter! 😍

We then picked up her friend and off we go!

Mommy the stalker at work:

They closed the doors after 5pm. Why are we late? It's not my fault. I just want everything to be perfect. Is that bad?

Will you stop taking pictures mom? I can't even get to the party coz of you. 

Seriously?

But it's all worth it! 

Look at my baby love!

By the time she got into the car after the dance, the shoes were off and then; "mom, they said I was the best dressed of all tonight." 

... And that's why my friends, I missed that baby shower ( sorry Iris) and why I have to leave work early just for an 8th grade dance. It's that feeling that no hair was out-of place. Hahahaha

On a more serious note, how can I see her to the prom and how will I let her go to a date? What if she's getting married? The world shall end. 

The end. 

Brag Day- KC's Honors Night

Well today is another one of those brag days! 😊

KC was High Honors and I know she really works are especially as the Vice President of the student council. My only complaint is that she was not awarded the 4-year Honors student--- that's coz she was in a different school where she was also an honor student. Eh, whatever. 

With some of her friends. 

With Peggy, one of her closest friends. 

Of course, dad is super happy. 

And me? Super happy!

This is us! Our neneng is growing up such a responsible young lady. 

Ladies and gents, our high honors is ready to soar high in high school!

Happy Wednesday!

Family Updates

Wow! I haven't updated you all for a long time. 

So I guess it was Treasure's updates and some Brag Posts you heard last of me--- unless you follow me on Instagrama and Facebook to which then, you really don't care about this post coz I post daily on Social Media. 

Easter! Easter... Such a beautiful day. We went to hear mass and had lunch at my in-laws. 

My sisters visited us. First my sis Janet then my sister Joy. Oh! Never been this happy for a long time! The joy of seeing your sibling is immeasurable. 

We went and witnessed Baby Alex' christening. 

We went to DC but that will be another post!

Have a good weekend you all! Kisses from Quincy MA.