University of Maryland is probably the last school I ever thought I’d attend. Not because I grew up across the country and never heard of it, not because my parents were from a rival school, and not because I didn’t like it. I grew up 20 minutes north of the College Park campus, and I was constantly reminded by its presence. I frequently attended many of UMD’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center concerts. The majority of my older friends went to College Park, as well as my family. My whole high school boasted Terp sweatshirts and cheered on its athletics. On weekends, some of my friends liked to drive down and walk the campus just for fun. I grew up with College Park. When it came time to apply, College Park seemed too obvious. It seemed like that childhood friend who you turn your nose up at when a distant relative suggests that you two date. College Park? No, no, not for me. After a wacky whirlwind of applications, my mom urged me to at least apply. I didn’t think much of it, but desperate on the last day before the deadline, I said sure. As much as I could have decided to be a blue jay, tar heel, terrier, bobcat, wolverine, or even a colonial George… I was utterly confused. Because for the first time ever, I imagined myself making new friends, creating new experiences, and walking the unfamiliar hallways as… a Terp. A University of Maryland Terrapin. Mom was right (as usual). After placing all seven of my acceptances on the table, I started to do my research, learning about the different opportunities each school offered and comparing my top schools head-to-head. Keeping in mind my limits and being as practical as possible, I realized that it was Maryland all along. Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that I needed to be convinced to apply. It was the right school from the start, hidden in plain sight. Today, I don’t know where I’d be without Maryland. I might not be pursuing my passion, piano performance, I might not be serving on the executive board of an honor society, I might not be a sister of Alpha Phi, and I certainly wouldn’t be working for admissions, proclaiming my love for the school. But reflecting on the things I’ve accomplished, the unforgettable memories I made, and new friendships I formed as a baby Terp, I am for certain that everything that has yet to come in the next three years will never fail to remind me why University of Maryland will always be home. And this home is the kind of comfortable place that makes me laugh at how I ever wondered where I would end up being.

/endofreflection2014

Now to express my love for UMD with… cake! After scrolling through the next three of my UMD creations, you’re going to wish you were a University of Maryland Terp as well. ;)

This cake was an order by a Penn State University friend who wanted to surprise her best friend who went to UMD. The Testudo figure is made out of fondant and I used the petal buttercream technique to cover the whole perimeter of the cake. And can’t forget the Maryland flag on top!

My friend tweeted this picture to President Wallace D. Loh, who is UMD’s 33rd president. And guess who tweeted back………. #brbdying

Now my BIG10 cake!



After 14 grueling hours… An all-edible Big Ten cake for the University of Maryland’s Football team! This was SUCH an honor to make, and I am so glad UMD’s Football Operations ordered this cake from me (and not from Georgetown Cupcakes this time around)! Again, congratulations on moving up to the Big Ten, UMD Football! And hope the big guys enjoyed this cake. GO TERPS!

My third UMD cake order by Veronica’s family! Vee is graduating with a Nutritional Science and Biology major from UMD and to celebrate, a graduation cake with an edible graduation cap that looks identical to her original cap! The giraffe, bow, and graduation cap are made out of fondant. I drew out the Maryland flag with buttercream, along with UMD’s logo! The world needs caring, capable people like you, Vee. So glad you’re ready to take your place in it, armed with your knowledge. Hehe congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure! Hope this cake made that moment extra special.

You can say I’ve become a pro at these UMD cakes, right? ;)

UPDATE (As of 10/1/15)

You probably thought the UMD-themed desserts sadly stopped there, right? Well, think again! I will be continuing to update this post with my other UMD creations to keep everything in one place. Orders for graduation parties, alumni-related events, UMD award celebrations… the list just goes on and on. Here’s a few I’ve made the summer of 2015!

Mini UMD terp cake pops! I wonder how yummy Testudo tastes…

UMD graduation cupcakes for a fellow neighbor! Congrats and good luck with grad school, Katie!

UMD graduation cake for Paige! Incorporated study abroad and Kappa Alpha Theta with Testudo.

UMD graduation cake for the PhD graduate! “Ph-inally D-one!”

Made testudo cookies for my lovely terp friends in honor of finishing our second year!

Hand-drawn Maryland flag cupcakes with salted caramel and chocolate for a graduation party. Congrats, Max!

UMD cupcakes for Gemstone’s 3rd annual Top Terps Reception!







