Jeremy McMillan, Master of Science

On May 16, my Jeremy became of Master of Science in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Jeremy has never been one to love school, and has never been that motivated by it. Over the past few years from when he decided to go into PT I've watched him develop a love for this science and he has worked awfully hard for this achievement. It has been pretty cool to see him getting excited about what he learns. He has gone through his graduate work, not with an attitude of merely completing the requirements, but really wanting to nail it. It has been clear to me that he wants to be an effective practitioner and he loves helping people feel and function better physically. I have enjoyed hearing him chatter about the cool new technique he learned, almost as excitedly as his descriptions of a good morning's surf session (well, maybe that's pushing it). He has been diligent about getting clinical instructors for internships that will teach him the most, but who are also the most demanding. I'm proud that he not only got his degree from this challenging program, but that he learned so much and can apply his knowledge to help people, and loves doing so.

On graduation day his parents, sister in laws Stephanie and Emily, my grandma Marva, and me gathered at a UCSF auditorium to watch him receive his degree. He skipped his ceremony a couple years ago for his Bachelor's but this year decided to walk because, "this time I really feel like I earned it."





Here is Jeremy with some of his classmates:



Jeremy's research buddy, Laura


This is Jeremy's Advanced Orthopedics teacher, Ben, who received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Science degree. Ben was also a clinical instructor from whom Jeremy learned a ton.


After the ceremony we had a nice day hanging out. As for me, it felt great to have a day off work! Some of the party explored San Francisco. Others took naps and read. Around 4:30 we took off for the Mission district and met up at Delfina pizzaria for our favorite pizzas and root beer in the city.
What a beautiful crust bubble!


We went over to Emily's house afterwards for dessert. I got Jeremy's favorite banana cream tart, from Tartine Bakery.

Before serving it up, Emily and I had schemed a little scenario that led Jeremy to his big graduation gift from me. I asked Emily if she had any paper plates. She replied that they were in the pantry, and then asked Jeremy if he could grab them. He opened the pantry door while I snuck to get my camera. He stood there for what seemed like a full minute, before uttering,"What!?!" He was truly stunned. When it sunk in that he was getting his dream surfboard, he was the happiest Jeremy I have seen. He maybe seemed even happier than our wedding day (granted, he had been nervous and edgy). It was so fun for me!!


After eating the tart we lounged on Emily's beautiful porch, which was oh so pleasant.

I caught Jeremy in a daydream about his new board.


What a fun day. It followed with a fun weekend too. We drove up north through my Grandma's old stomping ground in Marin, as far as Pt. Reyes. We went to the Cowgirl Creamery for some of their signature cheese and paired it with Tartine's magnificent bread for a scrumptious picnic on the beach. We waded in the water and just enjoyed the sunshine and views.

Later that evening Grandma took Jeremy and I out to dinner at a great restaurant we hadn't tried before, Range. The dinner was to celebrate his graduation and my birthday. What a sweetheart, she is.

Congratulations, Jeremy! You did it! Jeremy is currently in a 4 month internship, after which he gets to take his boards and can become employed as a PT. He will work on another graduate degree part time, his doctor of physical therapy.