Missy Kiakeiki Keiko Miyashiro - UH Hilo Fall 2021 Commencement Celebration Graduate

Thank you to all the wonderful professors at UH Hilo. While all have made an impact, a handful have led me to solidify my desire in cultural identity crisis and global relations. Dr. Bryan Kim, Dr. Su Mi Lee, and Dr. Nagurney, thank you so much for all the knowledge and passion you brought to your classes because it truly made a lasting impression on me <3

Also, thank you to my husband for giving me the ability to shoot for my dreams and being patient through this long journey <3

Life is tough. Whether circumstances were your fault or not, it's never too late to change them. The moment you have the opportunity, seize it! Graduating with my first university degree at 41 was a choice to follow my dreams and not let anything get in that way. Don't let fear stop you. Take that first scary step, then the next one, and the next one and soon enough it gets easier and before you know it your goal is within reach. Even if there's a few steps back along the way, think of it like a song. Music is not linear, there's highs and lows, and sometimes you have to move in a different direction-- as long as you come back to the beat (goal). Where before long you'll have created your own personal melody to dance your way through life with <3

Whether invisible or visible, scars tell our story of struggles and pain, and also of healing and hope. They are our personal badges of honor, shouting to the world that we survived! So, wear them with pride.

~personal mantra