UH Hilo Fall 2021 Commencement Celebration Personal Messages

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
— Missy Kiakeiki Keiko Miyashiro

Thank you so much to the ones who love me, who care for me, and who enjoys my company, truly thank you. Thank you for helping me on my journey through dark and difficult times and still supporting me to this day.
Even to those that were part of those dark times for me, I’ve learned, I have grown, and I have forgiven. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you.

I love and appreciate you all.

“Never regret something that once made you smile.”
“I don’t want to impress, I want to inspire.”
-Keith Urban
— Nicholas W Eisen

Mahalo to my village for supporting my ʻohana and I through my college journey. I would not have been able to finish without your kōkua.
— Shola Kalehuaokekoʻolauweheikeaopono Kahiapo-Trevino

I would like to mahalo ke Akua, my family, friends, and past mentors for supporting and pushing me to reach my goals. I will always cherish the amazing memories I made with my roommates, my UHH Housing co-workers, and my InterVarsity Hilo ‘Ohana.
— Shay Garcia-Yamashita

I just want to thank my parents who have always supported me in every endeavor I take on. Thank you for your continued support even when I felt lost at times. I also want to thank Bailey Arashiro and the whole Arashiro family, who have taken me in like I was one of their own when I knew absolutely no one in Hilo.
— Joseph T McDaniel

I have so many beautiful memories of being in Papaikou and cruisin down the old road. I also would like to thank the Geology Department at UH Hilo. They have given me the tools and confidence for me to succeed in the career path I have chosen. One last big thanks to Hawaii in general. This place is magical and I’m so thankful I’ve been able to experience it. Mahalo!
— Joseph T McDaniel

Thank you to my loved ones. All of your love, support, and patience through nursing school has meant the world to me. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to my nursing professors for their guidance, knowledge, and encouragement.

You have all made a positive impact on my nursing career, and I am thankful for every single one of you!
— Randi lee ann Rasay Borge

Yessah Blessah! I want to thank my family, friends, customers at work, and professors for getting me this far in my academic career. It wouldn’t have been possible without you folks so I truly appreciate you guys.
— Ariel Galamay Colobong

Thank you to my parents and my little brother for supporting me throughout my journey in growing as a person. You encourage me to become a better person every day, and I would not have been the person I want to be without you. Also, thank you to the rest of my family and friends for being around me and bringing a positive light to my life. I love the person that I am today thanks to all of you.
— Andrelyn Marie Delos Santos Dela Cruz

I will forever be grateful for the memories made at UH Hilo over the past four years. I want to thank my family and friends for their unconditional support, I couldn't have done this without you! Especially my parents who have supported every far fetched idea I have proposed, I love you both!
— Reve Marie Tomlin

Thank you to my family who’ve supported me through everything. You made me the woman I am today, and I look forward to bright beginnings because of you. To everyone who knows me, thank you for the many smiles, memories, and lessons you’ve taught me in business & life during my journey at UH Hilo.
— Gabby Kamahonuapuʻu Taboniar

I just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to my family and friends who have shown unconditional amounts of support during my time here at UH.
— Rachel Elizabeth Willard

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

Iakwe, Kam na Mauri, and Aloha

First and foremost, ij kamolol Jemed Ilan kon plan ko an im kejparok eo an nan kojwoj kajojo.

Secondly, I thank each and everyone who have been there for me for the past years that I have spent here in UH Hilo. My sister in law and her family, my aunties, my friends, and the MIC fam and community. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Also, to my professors who encouraged and supported me from the very first year until this day. Mahalo Nui Loa and especially to you Ms. Shuey, You're the BEST!

Thirdly, my supporters from Majuro, my brothers and sisters, and my loving and supportive mom. Ne eban kar kon jiban ko ami, iban kar topar ije itopare.

Lastly, to my late Father, Abraham Hicking! I did it and I did it for you! I love you Tamau.
— Imio Hicking

First of all, I want to thank my family. Without their support my journey to the United States was not possible. They helped me tremendously with everything. Not seeing them for a while was therefore hard but I think making this choice was worth it and I thank them for making this possible.
Secondly, I want to thank the friends that I made here. I have met some lifelong friends, like my girlfriend Sarah, and I will always appreciate the times I had with them here. They made the time I had here super fun. A special thanks to all my teammates, because I spend a lot of time with them. Without sometimes realizing it, they made my time here amazing. I think mostly this was due to the environment our coach Paul Regrutto sets and I appreciate him a lot for that. Go vulcans!
— Bo Antonissen

Special S/O to my baba, jimma and būbū that are not here to witness my accomplishment. Komijeel emmool bwe imãroñ in einwõt in rainin. I owe my success to you guys! Elap aõ oñ im iokwe kom. Continue to rest in peace and love.
— Brammie Stella Debrum

I would like to thank the UH Hilo Ohana and my Professors for all the help and support they had given me in my academic journey from start to finish. Mahalo! To my Mom and Dad, I thank you for the love, and words of encouragements to move forward especially during hard times, and to my brother and sister for cheering me on to achieve my goals.
One important lesson I learned while attending college is to persevere and to never give up, but focus on the end result.
— Marc Alaxander Teixeira

Onward and Upward

I dedicate my graduation to the most important people in my life, my family. Thank you for always believing in me, especially during difficult times when I found it hard to believe in myself. To all my friends, mentors, and educators, thank you for your continuous support and guidance during my nursing journey.

"At the end of hardship comes happiness."
- Korean Proverb
— Haena Joy Adame Espejo

Mahalo to all my Ohana and Friends. To my siblings: Loreal, Skyler, Megan and Priscilla who have been with me from the very beginning; especially my twinneee Lokepoke. To my nephew’s Laʻa and Shiloh who reminds me that there is a bright future ahead. To my best friend forever and brother-in-law: Jesse, my day 1. To my grandmother Eleanor for always looking out for me. Special love to my girlfriend: Kaelyn; thank you for being my rock and loving me unconditionally.
— Kenneth Clinton-John Sweezey

To my Vovo, Mommy Ellison & Mommy Paulyn who have the best seats in the house. This achievement is especially for my Mommy Lyn who raised me to be a kind, loving and ambitious man. And finally to the Lord up above. All the glory goes to him for the many blessings in my life!

I ka wā ma mua, i ka wā ma hope.
(in the time before, in the time after)
— Kenneth Clinton-John Sweezey

Thanks to my parents for the support system I had throughout the years in college. To my daughter Dezarae, I love you and my accomplishment is decided to you.
— Krystal Leslie Hax

First, I would like to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for everything. I also like to thank my parents for all they did for me since birth. I want to dedicate my accomplishment today to my beautiful wife and my two lovely sons. Thank you for your nonstop support and love. Lastly, to my professors, thank you for a wonderful and meaningful studies these past two years.
— Dusty Joash

I would like to thank my boyfriend James Hans for all the love and support that you have given me through my years in college. I love you forever.
— Jamie Enrica Gardenia Pagan

I have so much memories that I've gained over the years while being at UH Hilo. It is difficult to even say what I believe would be considered my favorite when all of them are. I guess my favorite memory would be meeting Bridget Awong. She is someone I look up to and has watched me grow throughout college. She has seen me go through bad times but never gave up on me. I appreciate her more than you could ever imagine. I will always cherish the moments when my HK family would tease me on how much I act like her. I will never forget hearing them call me mini B or little boss because I hope to be as talented, courageous, and respected as much as she is. She is an inspiration to me and has given me the chance to meet other wonderful people. It is a privilege to meet someone like her.
— Torylee Haunani Keiko Castro

I would like to thank my parents and the rest of my family for supporting me throughout my time here at UH Hilo. Their support helped my make it through the tough times I had over the last 4 years.
— Christopher Kalani Hanley

Special shout out to:
My dad, Babak, aka Scrud Up Rebile Dad
My grandparents, Roohi, Mombadry and Ata
My cousins, Shahrzad & Natasha

And to Mahine, Baba, and Natalie, I miss you all everyday

Love you all <3
— Neggin Azar

My journey to graduation at UH Hilo has been a decade of steps over thousands of miles. I am here today to say mahalo to my parents, my brothers and sisters, and to the friends who became my family along the way.
— Samantha Maria Gehrman

MAHALO ALL

Two years of intense studying, writing and field work ended with a truly wonderful graduation ceremony!

'Akua -Fa'afetai Iesū for your grace, prosperity, life, good health and wisdom.

'Ohana -Fa'afetai i o'u tua'ā, mātua fa'aleagaga, mātua pele ma lo'u 'āiga nei aemaise atunu'u e mamao for your prayers, support, care and sacrifices over the years.

Kumu -Fa'afetai i faculty and staff o UH Hilo-CAFNRM & ACNR ASCC for a memorable experience to progress as a student (on/in field + classroom). It was an honor to learn under the tutelage of benevolent and competent collection of minds.

Donors -FA'AFETAI TELE LAVA!

Hoaloha -Fa'afetai my Haumana housemates & Hilo friends, fa'amanuia tele le Atua.

It feels so surreal to be able to say, I did it!
— Deborah S Meleiseā

To my sister, Mary Fem Rios Urena, you are and have always been my guide in school, and in life. You may have been my "cheat sheet" on how to be financially and academically successful as a college student, but you have also set the blueprint for my success in life. To my father, Birthright Ollesca Urena, you will always be my motivation to be disciplined and consistent with my work ethic. To my mother, Flor Rios Urena, you will always be my inspiration for mental grit and resiliency toward every adversity (regardless of the difficulty). To my beautiful partner, Natalia Ann Javier, you are the reason for my personal and spiritual growth during each of my years as a college student. Your love and compassion has brought upon hope during even the darkest days of my journey. I love you all.
— Brian Rios Urena

Thank you to my family for always supporting me throughout the years! Your unconditional love and encouragement have helped me push through the ups and downs and have helped me become the person I am today. I couldn't have done this without you guys and can't thank you enough for all that you do.
— Kaile Rae Laʻakeʻa Yasui