Niki Rae Concepcion Torres - UH Hilo Spring 2021 Commencement Celebration Graduate

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - E.E. Cummings

I will miss the campus, professors, and staff so much but I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to experience the love of this community and to be a proud Vulcan alumnus. I would like to thank some significant professors that I had the opportunity of learning from both in my courses as well as developing a strong relationship with outside of class. To Misty Pacheco, Faith Mishina, Colby Miyose, and Harald Barkhoff - all of you made my experience at UH Hilo so much more amazing and left a mark on my heart. I am forever thankful for all the teachings and advice you have given me to take with me after graduation.

To my mom and dad. Thank you for being the best support system a daughter could ask for. Your constant love, support, and reassurance were what helped me push through these last four years and overcoming obstacles I did not think I could conquer. I know I would not be graduating today if it wasn't for all of the sacrifices you had to make in order for me to pursue my dreams, and for that, I am forever grateful. To my brothers, thank you for being a call away to listen to my college rants or just being a fun distraction. You guys always make my tough days seem not as bad. As we all know, COVID-19 did not make the last two years of college any easier, but I am so thankful that you all were supporting me and constantly pushing me to finish, even during this pandemic. I love you all so much.

And lastly, to my Kenny. Thank you for always being by my side no matter what obstacles I go through. You have been a big supporter through this journey, and I would not have gotten through it all if it wasn't for your love for me and always pushing me to strive to be the best. The last couple of years with the pandemic have been tough, to say the least, but I am so grateful that you were always there for me and never complained when you had to pick up the slack when I was buried with a ton of schoolwork. Thank you for always reminding me that I am loved. You are my partner and my best friend, and I am blessed to be able to always count on you whenever I need support. I can't wait to go into this new chapter of my education journey with you by my side, I love you.