UH Hilo Fall 2021 Commencement Celebration Personal Messages

After starting my journey at UH-Hilo over 15yrs ago I have come back to complete my degree. Covid was a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to finish my Bachelors online while living on the east coast! I am most thankful to Dr.Misty Pacheco and others who helped me navigate the credits I needed! I couldn’t be more happy to finish from the roots where I started and to continue to share the aloha onto my next ventures!
— Rebecca A Spain

Aloha!

Its been a wonderful experience with the RN to BSN online program. Professors are engaged and understanding and my student peers are incredibly bright and motivated.
If I ever see any of you in public I will act like a crazed fan seeing a movie star!

Imua!
Malu
— Malulani Kathleen Kelly

He 'ihona, he pi'ina, he kaolo.

The journey to graduating has led me through many years of ups, downs, challenges, and celebrations. Mahalo to my 'ohana, na hoa, and kupuna for your love and aloha, you made this journey important and achievable.

Ke Kulanui O Hawai'i ma Hilo, mahalo nui for all the people and places who make this institution a network of opportunities. I've found a sense of independence and community in my time here. I am leaving this place with more understanding of what I value and how I can continue to persevere.

To you who was curious enough to read this, mahalo to you for having compassion. Share this compassion and accept yourself, you are as close to the stars as you imagined yourself to be.
— Malia Lehua Heimuli

Favorite memory at UH Hilo would have to be all the special relationships I've made throughout the years. Nothing beats experiencing amazing people and I will forever be grateful!
— Shana Elena Hokulani Kealoha

Thank you to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for accepting me with open arms and the opportunity to learn at this diverse campus. I did it ! It’s been a long 4.5 years and it’s time for me to wrap things up. Congrats to my fellow graduates! And cheers to new beginnings! 🥂🎉 GO VULCANS !
— Ariel Galamay Colobong

I would like to send a huge mahalo to the UH Hilo athletic department for the guidance and assistance throughout my time here at UH hilo as well as my coaches who continued to push me everyday to become a better version of myself both on and off the field. I would also like to show my appreciation for all the professors I was able to learn from in the college of agriculture throughout these years, you all have played an impact in my educational career that I will always be thankful for.

He leo mahalo kēia i koʻu ʻohana no ke kūpaʻa mau ʻana ma hope oʻu i loko o nā wā luʻuluʻu a me ka ʻehaʻeha, a me ka paipai mau ʻana iaʻu e hoʻokō i nā hana me ka ʻoikelakela. Aloha nui wau iā ʻoukou, Mahalo piha.
— Kaleihali'a Tolentino-Perry

When I first came to UH Hilo, I had no idea what my next four years would be like. I have made so many new friends, met some amazing people, and created so many fond memories I will remember for as long as possible. While I had my ups and downs as any new college student does, I will never forget how they shaped me and helped me figure out WHO I am. A part of me will miss UH Hilo and the comfort of what it brings, but I am also excited for the next curve ahead and can't wait to see what new memories I get to make in the next step of my life! I want to thank my parents for supporting me through every step of the way, and also several teachers I had that helped me find strength in myself.
— Megan M Albertini

As a first generation college student, graduating from UH Hilo is a huge deal! I would like to thank my family and my friends for supporting me during my time here and pushing me to keep going! I am beyond proud of myself for earning a B.S. in Marine Science, a minor in Chemistry, and a Marine Option Program certificate and I would like to thank the professors that helped me achieve this.
— Brooke S. Bembenek

I greatly appreciate all the support that my family and friends have given me throughout my time here. I would also like to thank the university for providing such unique experiences, and the island of Hawaiʻi for the multitude of unforgettable memories.
— Finnigan Jack Israel

It may have took a while, but I MADE IT

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me throughout these years. Love you all!
— Kylee Ke'alohilani Hirayama

It has been a thrilling opportunity to grow into someone I have learned to love and am proud to be.

Mahalo to everyone who has shared their knowledge and this experience with me.

To my Ohana: Thank you for being my inspiration and giving me the drive to continue to improve myself. I love you!
— Amber Kaiwahinemalie Tai

My life mantra comes from a biblical verse in the book of Matthew 6:33 which says, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness and all things shall be added unto you." This is a verse that have helped me throughout my journey through UH Hilo. Online classes have ruptured my sleeping schedule and attendance because I would miss day classes and work on discussions and assignments at 12 midnight. I would blame myself and be frustrated because I cannot ask anyone the questions I have and I would want to give up. So, I would pray and after speaking with professor everything is okay. Moreover, a big mahalo to the professors and faculty of UH Hilo for being very helpful and motivating. Special thank you to Director of International Student Services. Just take one step at a time.
— John Hadley Anson

We're at the end! With a lot of hard work and support from my friends and family, I am an official smarty pants. I'd like to thank my mom for being so supportive throughout my whole life, my boyfriend for being the best shoulder to cry on, my brother for cheering me up when I give him a ring, and John for teaching me how to box my answers.

Also myself for powering through these last semesters at UH Hilo and getting on the Dean's list.

And above all else, I'd like to give a special thank you to Lin-Manuel Miranda for giving me the musical motivation to get through my finals.

I didn't throw away my shot!
— Neggin Azar

My goal has always been to thrive, yet life is a delicate balance of give and take. In order to become the most brilliant version of ourselves we cannot forget what kind of sacrifice it requires. I am forever grateful for those who have helped me become who I am today.

It has been an honor to learn to live aloha.

A HUI HOU MĀKOU
— Samantha Maria Gehrman

UH Hilo
UH Hilo offers the quintessential college experience. Its campus has a pleasant atmosphere, student diversity and inclusion, and the epitome of stunning. In fact, it was one of the smaller schools I applied to, so I love the size.

Big Island
Hilo is like a small town on its own with beautiful parks and lush forests, waterfalls, beaches and trails. A place rich in history, mana and 'olēlo. Hilo has a laid-back environment and a slow-pace lifestyle, which is what I loved about it the day I arrived.

The Big Island will always be the highlight of my stay during these two years. I had an absolutely fantastic time, Hilo! I will miss here particularly the culture and the spirit of 'ALOHA' that never goes unnoticed anywhere and everywhere. Fa'afetai tele, soifua ma ia manuia!
— Deborah S Meleiseā

My favorite quote growing up is “When life gets down, what do you do? Just Keep Swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do, we swim!”. Now older and going through college, I just kept swimming even as school and life got harder. My professors have provided the support and the mentoring throughout my time at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and I would like to thank them for all their support. Although most of my time here at the university has been during the COVID-19 pandemic, I enjoyed my classes and being a part of the Marion Option Program. I am thankful for all the support that I have received from my family, friends, and professors over the years. I am proud to say that I just kept swimming all the way to my bachelor’s degree!
— Alexandria Elise Cain

I have cherished my time in the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. Being in this university has shaped my admiration for individual personalities as well as diverse cultures. Just as importantly, it has garnered an appreciation for who I am as an individual and my own culture. Upon my entrance into the college, I did not think much of the unique aspects in what defines me. I now see the significance and value of my heritage.
— Brian Rios Urena

Thank you so much to my family, friends, and professors for all the support these past three and a half years!
— Emmalani Isabella Reynolds

As a first-generation student, going to college was scary and even scarier when it is an ocean away from everything you know. I do not regret the choice to attend UH Hilo for the last three and half years, it was not easy but I did it! Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me through this journey and pushing me to be the best I can be. I will never forget the amazing memories I made here in Hawaii and in the classroom. It's time to close this chapter of my life here at UH Hilo and start the next chapter in life. Until next time, Hilo.
— Shaelee Avis West

I would like to start off by thanking Hurricane Lane for welcoming me to the island in 2018, followed by a few appearances from Pele at the KĪlauea volcano. Lastly, I want to say thanks to Zoom and online classes for permanently damaging my eyes. But for real, I have appreciated attending class from the beach, so thanks :)
— Maiya Abbigail Smith

Find your happy place and follow your passion! I didn't know how important that advice was until I started in the TCBES Master's Program, where I found both. My passion is conserving endangered birds in my happy place, the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.
— Amanda Katherine Navine

To my fellow classmates, I thank all of you as for your insight, participation, and support throughout my academic journey. I’ve learned so much from you all, and will be forever grateful. Best wishes for the future!
— Patti Lynn Hatzistavrakis