A Perfect Pair
Husband and wife to earn bachelor’s degrees from
Brentwood Campus of Long Island University on Mother’s Day

Brentwood, N.Y. – Just a few weeks after celebrating their second wedding anniversary, Marving Chaupiz, 23, and Jessenia Zamora, 26, will share another important milestone. The pair will graduate with bachelor's degrees in criminal justice from the Brentwood Campus of Long Island University on Mother's Day, May 11, 2008 at Commencement exercises held at the C.W. Post Campus.

The journey wasn't always easy as the husband-and-wife team adjusted to lots of new things: school, married life and being away from their families who live in Brooklyn and Long Beach, N.Y.

“We were struggling to pay our bills, the high price of rent, spend time together and establish ourselves,” Zamora said.

The young couple learned to be efficient by carrying a full 18-credit class load each semester and taking all of their classes together to save on gas. They also had to juggle their schedules which included a full-time job for Chaupiz, a part-time job for Zamora and internships for both at chief clerk's office in the 10th Judicial District in Riverhead.

“We would sleep very little,” Zamora said.

The duo would work in different rooms to keep their class work separate, but had to share one computer. They designated Tuesdays as “date night” to help keep their marriage intact and give themselves a break. Both are success stories – both have a 3.5 G.P.A., they are members of the Criminal Justice Honor Society and both are the first in their families to attend college.

“Our families are very proud,” Zamora said.

In order to graduate this semester, Zamora and Chaupiz took classes at the C.W. Post Campus, adding a bit more complexity to an already full schedule.

“We learned to lean on each other, learn to manage our time and give priority to our responsibilities. We also learned to function on little sleep, and still keep our eyes on the prize,” Zamora said.

The still-newlyweds have moved to North Carolina where they have purchased a home and plan to fly back for graduation. Chaupiz relocated his position as a quality assurance analyst for Medfone and is looking into opportunities with the FBI. Zamora, who worked for the New York State Department of Children and Family Services hopes to get a job in the court system.

“This experience was worth every missed meal, the lack of sleep, and all the obstacles in our way,” Zamora said. “Together we learned we can achieve anything.”

Commencement exercises will take place on the Great Lawn at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville, NY beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 11. The Class of 2008 includes 1,022 baccalaureate degree candidates, 1,434 master's degree candidates, 15 graduates receiving the Psy.D. in clinical psychology and 4 receiving the Ph.D. in information studies. C.W. Post's commencement ceremonies also include graduates from the Brentwood Campus, Southampton College, Southampton Graduate Campus and Long Island University at Riverhead.

Posted: May 7, 2008