UH Hilo Spring 2022 Commencement Celebration Personal Messages

“Sé que está orgulloso de mí y me esta mirando me lograr mis objetivos.”
— Emmanuel E González

To my Hilo 'Ohana, thank you for your kindness and unwavering support. Thanks for creating a home away from home these past four years. It will have a lasting impact on the rest of my life.
To my family, thank you for all the sacrifices and guidance because I wouldn't be where I am today without you. No amount of "thank yous" will suffice, but I appreciate the varieties of support that gave me the strength to preserve. I love you!
To the friends I have met, thank you for all the laughs, memories, and adventures. I will cherish you forever.
And to myself, high-five for booking that one way ticket a few years back. Best decision ever!
— Alexandria Shaylynn Parisian

I am an international student attending UH Hilo from Japan. I am a senior set to graduate in Spring 2022 with a Bachelors in Art with a digital certificate. I like to make objects with natural materials by hand. I also love nature and animals and often take pictures of both. While I was a student at UH Hilo, one of my classes, a digital drawing class, grabbed my attention and now I am interested in digital drawing and creating short animations. I really appreciated my family, friends, professors, and people who supported me through my university years.

My favorite ‘Olelo No’eau is ʻAʻohe ʻulu e loaʻa i ka pōkole o ka lou, No breadfruit can be reached when the picking stick is too short. Saying that there is no success without preparation.
— Lisa Hiraishi

The young lady who flew more than 13 thousand kilometers to be here today had no idea of her capabilities. If you were to tell her that she is graduating with a Bachelor's in Pscyhology from Hawaii and has been accepted into Graduate school for her dream career, she would probably laugh at you.
However, UH Hilo has given me the tools to become the woman of my dreams, and for the first time ever, I could not be more proud of myself. I can follow into the pathway I never envisioned for myself, becoming an N.D., Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, practicing natural healing.
I could not be more proud to represent my country today, Brasil eu te amo! E gostaria de agradecer minha familia maravilhosa que sempre me apoiou, mãe, pai, meu querido marido, minha irmãzinha, e todos que nunca pararam de
— Ágata Alencar Jornooki Machado

Looking back to when I first began my journey at UH Hilo, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined all the opportunities that awaited me. From becoming the president Filipino Studies Club to studying abroad in France and being a delegate in the Philippines, I have nothing but fond memories of the cultural and educational experiences of my time here.
— Jojo C Balagot

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

For my loved ones a little too far from home:

Uncle Vince- Still hoping I'll wake up from this nightmare. We miss you so much. I wish I could've heard your voice in the stands today but I carry you in my heart everywhere I go. RAJAH!!
- Love, Bebeh

Hercules- I miss you buddy! From your constant grumbling to endless energy, thank you for the goofy memories. I love you!

Lexi- It's been 7 years my friend. From a high school diploma to a Masters Degree. I just know you'd be accomplishing greatness right alongside me if you were still here today. I hope I'm making you proud. I love and miss you always.

Anu- I miss you so much. The house is not the same without your crazy barking and back rubs in the grass. I hope you found Hercules on that rainbow bridge. I love you sweet girl.
— Ariel Ku'umomimakamae Halemano

Anij Moktata. Juon special Komol nan jino im jema raurok, Mama im Baba komol kin iakwe eo amiro, aolep kijejeot im kijenmej. I love you guys.
— Neilynn J Domnick