UH Hilo Spring 2022 Commencement Celebration Personal Messages

Big mahalo to my keiki’s, my love, and my ‘ohana! Love you all and appreciate your support along da way! For you KEALIA!
— Jo-Anna K. K. Moniz

I'm grateful for my family who has supported me throughout this journey. I would not be where I am today without their patience, trust, and guidance.
— Natasha A. Lawrence

Mahalo to my family for all the years of support!
— Torri Aeriel Law

I thank God for blessing me with so much more than I deserve.

I want to thank my mom Florence, husband Jay, and son Carlos for all the love and support they have given me. I wouldn’t have made it without them. Thank you for being my rock and my inspiration. I love you!
— Wendy Gadian Marcelo Anches

First and foremost, mahalo ke akua. It is only because of Him that this is all possible. Mahalo to my family for their support throughout my collegiate experience. Matthew, Mason, and Ava Joy, thank you for your patience when I had long hours of homework and classes. Mom and dad, thank you for your continued support and love.
— Kristle Leilani Akau

I am thankful to my family and friends who supported me throughout my college years. I am grateful to God who provided me with family and friends who are understanding in times of difficulties. Everything will be impossible without them.
— Jovelia A. Repullo

This has been a LONG 3 years, and I couldn’t have done it without my friends & family. Remember, even when times are tough, never give up on your dreams.
— Lauren N. Miho

Thank you Mom, Connor, siblings, family, and friends for your constant encouragement and support.

Miss you Dad, thank you for watching over me. This one's for you.
— Paige Kagimoto

With the support of my beautiful family I was able to accomplish this amazing goal in our lives! Thank you to my man and our beautiful daughters for always loving me.
— Victoria Marie Ramos

I want to inspire women who thought that being a mother was the end of our dreams. I am a mother of four, but that did not stop me from adding worth to myself. Thank you to my beautiful family for being my wings when mine were fractured. Thank you for always believing that I can do it. I share this with you.

To my husband, thank you for the patience. Thank you for letting me spread my wings beyond our family. To my children, I do what I do because of you. You are the primary reasons why I persevered.

To my Nana, my warrior, thank you for dreaming for us. Thank you for your strong will and determination to get all of us from that pit of hardship. Because of you and my Tata, I am who I am today. I will be forever grateful to you.

To my Ka'u High and Pahala Elementary School family, than
— Diane Kay D. Bonoan

Thank you to my parents and family for always being my biggest fans, I would not be the woman I am today without you all. #WEW
— Maisie Paulson

To my family and mentors who supported my journey these past three years, I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you!
— Stephanie L Hake

Thank you to my friends and family- Mom, Dad, Lauryn, Alan, JoJo, and Grandma for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporting me throughout my undergraduate career. Mahalo to Coach Jaime, the cross country team, and athletic staff for giving me the opportunity to run and represent UH Hilo on the cross country course. A huge thank you to all my professors and mentors I've met along the way at UH Hilo for teaching and encouraging me to get where I am today. I could not have made it to graduation without you all! Mahalo!
— Olivia Maya Jarvis

This has been a journey where I've met wonderful friends, colleagues, and mentors. Mahalo to my professors for sharing their knowledge and experience. Mahalo to my friends for being companions on the adventure. Mahalo to my family for their support from home.

And mahalo especially to my wife, Paris, without whom none of this would be possible.
— Abel Nicolas Alvarez

First, I would like to thank God. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. To my parents, thank you for guiding and helping me along this journey. To my sisters, thank you for being there when I needed you the most and making me laugh when times were tough. If it's one thing I'll miss about UH Hilo, it's the supportive community. From the professors, to my classmates, to the amazing staff who work hard to make so much happen. I'll miss the community that has made Hilo feel like home. As for words of wisdom, take it all in while you can. Living in the moment has made me more appreciative of the opportunities and offers that were given at UH Hilo, and life overall. You really don't know what's good until it's gone. Congrats Class of 2022! See ya!

"SET YOUR HEART ABLAZE!" - Rengoku
— Jorjah Kainoa Haliaka Losalio-Watson

First of all, I would like to thank everyone in my family for their support throughout my time in college. I want to thank my Mom(Stacy) and my Dad(Eddie) for giving me the opportunity to go to UH Hilo. It’s been a privilege to be able to attend a school away from home so thank you so much. I want to thank my grandparents as well for always calling me every night to check on me. You guys are the best. I also want to give a big thanks to the Men’s soccer coaching staff (Paul and Terry) for recruiting me to play here at UH Hilo. I’ve seen myself develop as a player and as a person being on this team. Thank you for always believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ve made great memories and friends that I will remember for the rest of my life.
— Devan Justin Yoshimura

Thank you to Mom, Dad, Aunty Beth-Ann, and my family for supporting me on this journey. I appreciate you all more than you'll ever know. To my coaches, thank you for helping me grow as a baseball player, a teammate, and an individual. I would like to shoutout the Miyake and Yamauchi families for showing me what it is truly like to live in Hilo. To my teammates, thank you for taking me in and treating me like a brother, I have so many memories that will last forever. I am eternally grateful to the great professors I've had here at UH Hilo. Especially to Dr. Shuey, Dr. Perroy, and Dr. Platz for writing an ungodly amount of recommendations. Lastly, thank you to my roommates for being my Dads.
— Aaron Clifton Kellner Wehrman

Before UH Hilo I was on the verge of ending my soccer career. But thanks to Coach Gene I ended up playing my last years of soccer with three of my childhood friends, Jodi, Brende, and Piper. I was lucky to go through college with them and make lifelong friends along the way. I'd also like to thank the athletic trainers Kelsie & Trek, who constantly treated, and still treat, my weak kankles. And I’d like to thank my family for always being there to support me at my games, wherever it was, since day one. I appreciate all the times my dad yelled at me to be better, because he saw the best in me. My mom was always there to scrub the mud off my clothes and make sure I was having fun. Lastly, I’d like to thank my teammates for being my friends, otherwise I wouldn’t have any. V’s up!
— Kayla Kanoelani Kunihisa

Thank you to all my friends and family that have given me endless support for finally accomplishing my dream of obtaining a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and now becoming a Registered Nurse. Without y'alls endless love and encouragement I would not be nearly close to where I am today, I couldn't have done it without each and every single one of you. A special thank you to my angels who I know have been watching over me Mom, Grandma, and Grandpa George, I love and miss you guys every single day. And big thank you to UHH for giving me the best 4 years of my life. Woohoo, we made it! Next stop is working as a Nurse at Hilo Medical Center!!
— Joey Alyssa Keegan

Con cam on cha me. Thank you mom, dad, and my siblings. Thank you family, friends, professors, and preceptors for the constant encouragement and support. Good luck class of 2022!
— Connie Phuong Duyen Le

I would like to thank my family especially my Mom and Dad for always supporting me and putting up with my crying through every final. My sister and cousin for always being there when I needed somebody to talk to. My grandparents for always grounding me and making me remember why I was working so hard. I would also like to thank my friends for going on this crazy ride with me. Being away from family is always hard but they became my family and the people I could rely on. I would like to thank all my professors for sharing their amazing knowledge. I would especially like to thank Dr. Platz for giving me a chance and helping me find my passion. I will leave you with a quote from Aristotle. "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."
— Alyssa-Jade M Riglos

I want to give my special thank you to my mother "Lita" who helped & pushed me throughout my nursing school. Mom, I finally earned my BSN degree!
Also, Thank you to aunty Rose, my cousin Alma and Leah, who have supported me since day one. I did it!
Of course, my classmates, friends, and coworkers. You guys made it so much easier than I thought. Thank you for your endless understanding.
Lastly, Thank you to my professors, especially Dr. Centeio, Dr. Akau, Prof. Elisala, and Prof. Moran for making this learning memorable.
Congratulations my fellow graduates!!! We made it!
— Ruel G. Ganitano

I would like to thank my parents for their ongoing sacrifices in order for me to succeed in life; there will never be enough I can do to repay you. To my sisters, you both have so much ahead of you and I am so happy that I get to be that someone you look up to. To my friends, thank you for being there to put a smile on my face when I needed it the most. To my better half, thank you for supporting me in all that I do and being my rock. To the rest of my Ohana, thank you guys for believing in me and showering me with everlasting love. I love you all so much!

This one's for my babies,
Nāupaka, Sterling, and Kahakai
Aunty finally did it!
— Mikayla S. Tablit

I want to thank my mom for supporting me throughout my life. I would not be the woman I am today without her. She has always been my rock and I aspire to be kind, compassionate, and brave like her. Thank you for always being my best friend. I am beyond blessed to have attended UH Hilo. I will treasure the memories I made here for the rest of my life.
— Rachel Elizabeth Dahms

I would like to thank my family especially my mom and dad for always pushing me to achieve the best I can be and never letting me give up and to my friends for always supporting me through this journey of mine, also to my sociology professors who worked extra hard to help me and the other students with our classes and get to this point of graduation! And to my girlfriend for always being by my side supporting me, and last but never least I would like to thank my grandma who recently passed, for always believing in me and supporting me through all life has thrown at me, this one is for you grandma!
— Kaylyn June Cassidy Perry

First of all: Thank you, Koa, for cleaning the kitchen. And always reading my mind. Thank you, Micah, for being my friend. Thank you, Kobe, for knowing me so well. And for playing soccer. Thank you, mom, for doing all of this before me, it made it easier. Thank you, dad, for supporting me, in everything! Thank you, Autny Brenda, for your help. Thank you, Veronica, for teaching me a lot. And all of my family and kumu and professors and everyone who's help got me here. Maybe it was easy, or just you doing your job, or so small and insignificant, or so long ago, that it was nothing. And it was nothing. It just got me here, that's all.
— Natalia Keʻale Kim

It’s been a long road of late nights and early mornings, but I can finally say it’s over. But I would like to thank my parents, family, and friends for the unconditional support they have given me through this journey.
— Monique Joy Domingcil Lorenzo

Thank you to my family and friends for all the love and support throughout the years! I couldn’t have done this without you guys!
— Kaelyn Uchida

I want to thank my husband and two children for supporting me on this journey. They sacrificed a lot to help me make sure my work was done and that I could attend classes, including sacrificing valuable time spent with me. Thank you Canfield Ohana for supporting me and for giving me this time to work on my education. To my daughters- I hope you always remember this time of our lives and that it inspires you to work hard towards your futures.
— Julia Dianne Canfield

I would like to thank my family. Special thank you to Mom, Papa Ago, Mama Nita, Mia, and Camille for all the love and support over these years. I couldn't have done it without you all.

This ones for you.
— Cheyenne Keiko Fuertes

*And finally last, but definitely not the least . . . MY FAMILY. Unconditional Love. Unconditional Support. They were my ROCK through it all. Sleepless nights, countless hours on my laptop, and precious time away from my family are no more

About Time . . . Now What?

I leave this last piece of advice to all of you still in school ~ Don’t give up and don’t settle. And for everyone else ~ It’s never too late!*
— Noreen Kehaulani Kaloi

With much humility, I thank my family and friends who believed in my dreams, supported my efforts, and cared for me when I didn't have the strength to push forward. I truly believe that a person is only as successful and strong as the community that they surround themselves with.

What can I say? My support system is amazing.
— Kuʻuhiapo Kahilihiwa Villareal Jeong

Mahalo to my friends and family who have helped and supported me throughout my college journey. I would not have made these accomplishments without your encouragement and support.

Special thanks to my immediate family: my parents, Sophie and Ralph Takafuji, as well as my big brother, Ross Takafuji.
— Tara Marie Rebuenog Takafuji

The UH Hilo’s Psychology department professors are truly amazing. I can’t thank you enough. Heuer. B.Kim. Vladi. Higa-McMillan. S.Kim

Amazing community members, especially the wonderful staff at Waiakea HS. DeMello, Arasato, Bright-Poai.

My family who have been the greatest support. My mom who always praised my hard work, my dad always reminded me to relax. My sister for picking me up when I’m down. My brother for showing me that anything is possible with hard work. My fiancé for sacrificing so much to help put me through school. My children for helping me to want more in this life, not for me but for them and their future.

And so so many others.

This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without each one of you. I truly thank you and I can’t wait to see what’s nex
— Abcde Leimomi Kupa Matias

I would like to thank my parents who supported me to finish my nursing education. I am thankful for my sister because she has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am grateful for the friends that I have made, which made nursing less stressful. Lastly, I would like to thank the professors that helped me obtain my BSN degree.
— Rochelle Kay Cudal

I would like to express a heartfelt gratitude to my nursing classmates, professors, family, friends, co-workers, and my special one for being with me on this journey to earning my bachelor's degree in nursing. Their support has been instrumental into helping me to achieve one of my life goals. This accomplishment means the world to me and I am so happy to have been guided by the best support group ever. Because of all of you, I will strive to become the greatest nurse that I can be. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
— Arielle Tasha Magaoay Bagcal

Graduation is not the end but a new beginning. Everything we went through has brought us to where we are now. We have faced many challenges in life that may have darken our path to success but the people who stuck with us through thick and thin gave us the strength we needed to get through these challenges in life. To me, it was my family and I would like to thank them for being my biggest inspiration in life. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am now if it weren’t for them. They have supported me and continue to do so in all the challenges I face in life and I am forever grateful to have them by my side every step of the way.
— Kristine Villanueva Muerong

Eternally blessed for all my family, friends, and fellow peers that have been apart of this journey.
Kamagar Samol & Mahalo Nui Loa, this is only the beginning!
— Kimikyla Phyliss Gikbay

To my family, thank you for always believing in me. You saw my worth and potential before I ever could've. I wouldn't be here today without you guys. I love you all!

To the keiki I've been fortunate enough to teach: continue to strive for your goals no matter what curveballs you face and always carry yourself to a higher standard. Thank you for the fun memories, life lessons, and patience as we navigated learning in the middle of a pandemic together. Aunty Ariel/Ms.H loves you all!

I'd like to dedicate this achievement to my Aunty Sweetie. Thank you for never giving up on my dreams even when I thought they were too big to make a reality.
— Ariel Ku'umomimakamae Halemano

She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes...✨
and nevertheless, she persisted

Ready to serve our community of Hilo as a soon-to-be Registered Nurse!

Thank you, mom, dad, Jace, my BFFs, & nursing besties for being apart of this journey! LOVE YOU!
— Emme Lee Furuya

Thank you to all my family and friends, I couldn't have done it without you!
— Isaiʻa Waiolama Momoe

Aloha aloha
I just want to take this time to give a special thanks to our heavenly father up above for guiding me throughout this crazy journey. He really made this happen for me and I am so incredibly blessed for every struggle and achievement that he pushed me through. Honestly, without him I would not have had the courage and the confidence to achieve this goal. God is too good to me!
& Thank you to all of my family and friends that I shared good experiences with, kuloh na ma lulap to all of you guys that helped us during our stay in Hilo.
I appreciate every single person that came into our lives up until this point. I will always remember the University of Hawaii here at Hilo as my second home.
Mahalo Thank you & Kuloh!
— Kemey Shirley Andrew

I want to thank my family and friends for all the love and support they have given me throughout this journey.
— Jamila Rarangol Transfiguracion

I'd want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my academic career. Without it, I doubt I would have gotten as far as I did on my own. I'd want to thank my parents in particular for instilling in me the courage to keep pushing even when things aren't going as planned.

Lastly, thank you Jesus for getting me here because without him none of this would be possible!
— Chrisann Nalani Kalama Rabanes

My journey as a nursing student was a real challenge. My family has been my biggest support, inspiration, and reason for this success. I thank my husband and two beautiful girls, Cheska and Nikaela for their unconditional love and support. I thank my parents and siblings who have been my #1 cheerleaders and have always been so proud in everything I do. Ultimately, I thank God Almighty for guiding me throughout this journey.

What I learned during nursing school is that everything is possible with patience, determination and strong support from loved ones. Nursing school is tough but very rewarding. It can be done, indeed! This is just the beginning of a bigger responsibility. Education is a continuous process. Everyday is a learning experience and a chance to enhance self-worth!
— Maria Esther Eugenio-Aurelio