Honolulu Community College 2020-2021 Commencement Celebration Personal Messages
Thank You Messages
Thank you to all my Early Education instructors for continued support to set my goals to get my Certificate of Competence in Early Childhood Education.
— Wai Ling Chan
After many years, I finally earned my degree. I am very proud of my hard work and want to thank my family for their love and support. I also want to thank all my professors, counselor and tutors at HCC for their patience and willingness to help me achieve my goal. I finally made it! Class of 2021!!
— Thanh-Phuong Du Hoang Gia
To all of my "Instructor's" thank you for all the hard work that you have done for us. When Covid hit us, I know it was hard for you guys as well it was hard for me to be transitioning to online classes. I'm one of those guys who likes to learn in class hehe! All I can say is job well done, you guys made it still feel like as if we were in the classroom. Hope the school opens up so I can come and visit you guys in the future. Thank you again for everything!!!
— "Romey" Juan R Ramolete
I would like to first off thank my family for being the support that I always needed.
My Parents, Patrick and Susan, for teaching me responsibility; My Sisters, Kelley, Bailey, and Charley, for a lifetime of inspiration; My Wife, Puaolena, for being my backbone and best side; and to My Son, Mano, for being the fire to do great things.
A special gratitude and appreciation for My Grandparents, George "Papa" and Setsuko "Mama", for always being supportive of my decisions that I've made throughout my life; And to my Aunts and Uncles who have guided me and pushed me to achieve things that they knew I had potential for.
I love each and every one of you! Family Always!
— Ashley Hatsue Pittman
To My Friends, and most who have become my family. Thank you for having my back and being able to pull me out of holes that I never knew I got into.
I will always and forever be thankful, and will always be here for you as well. IGY6!
To the Staff and Teachers of UH/HCC, I am most thankful for you all who had been patient and understanding with me, and helped me succeed in earning this degree. Mahalo Nui Loa!
— Ashley Hatsue Pittman
Graduating college for me was a struggle, I wasn't sure if I would make it to the finish line but I couldn't have done this without the continuous support from my mom, dad and my fiance. I would also like to thank my academic counselor Nicole Mitani, without her guidance each semester I wouldn't be on the path I am on. I also had some great professor over the years at HCC and I am so grateful for them. I also made some really great friends and met some awesome people throughout my journey here. I will surely miss HCC and everyone here! Live life with no regrets, just keep pushing forward!
— Erica Kichong Kurihara
Thank you to all that has been there to support me no matter what choices I made in life.
— Jane Segismundo Cabusao
Thanks to my family and especially my other half Ryan, for your continuous support and for watching the kids while I was in school. Although my journey here at HCC has ended, my journey as a college student has just begun. Cheers to the graduating class of 2020 and 2021!
— Remally Sharmie Alejo
I just want to share how thankful I am for my family for supporting me for so many years and continuing to support me while I continue on with my education as I pursue my bachelors degree in public administration at UH West O’ahu. This degree took me longer to achieve than I would have liked but at least I finally completed it after 11 long years with lots of breaks in between.
— Nicole Christina Lee
Thank you to all my teachers, counselors, and classmates at Honolulu Community College. You all made my college experience fun and exciting. I’ll never forget all the good times and bad times I had during these last few years. I wish everyone nothing but the best in there future endeavors. I’ll never forget my time at Honolulu Community College.
— Bernard De Leon
Big THANK YOU to all my Professors for being great teachers but also better examples. Every Professor in the CSNT program has always made the effort to make sure I understood the material and they were always there to answer all my questions. Especially since COVID happened, all my Professor made it very easy to keep in touch as well as provide the necessary tools to make class just as comfortable as being in the classroom. All my Professors have made an attempt to provide us with job listings that will help us transition from Full time students to Full time workers. I am grateful to be a Graduate from Honolulu Community College with a degree in the CSNT program.
— Ryan-Lloyd Ichiro Nakasone
I would like to thank my family for the support of me going to school 40 hours a week for the past year. I appreciate the patience for listening to me explain what I learned in school during dinner, it really helped me with the studying. Thank you to my best friend for keeping me focused and going to the library almost every day to study. I appreciate all of my professors for their knowledge and encouragement they have shared with me. I honestly had met the best classmates as well. I’m so excited to see where all of our future holds. Congratulations ladies, we finished our 1,800 hours in Cosmetology!! Thank you for all the laughs (and cries) during this program.
— Michelle Amanda Csigi
I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me and helping me accomplish graduating with honors. I would also like to thank all the AJ teachers for pushing me to do better than my best and for never giving up on me and making sure even through covid they were always rooting for us. Even though this year was not an ideal one we all got through it together! My favorite memory from HCC would be meeting people in my major and thinking one day we'll be working side by side with one another or to cross paths with each other one day. Another memory would be the friendships I made along the way. A quote that I live by would be "We were the starlight that shines more in the deepest night".For all the new students that are coming into HCC make the best of it!
— Rochelle Ku'u Ho'onani Bush
It’s been real HCC. I’d like to thank god, my family, my friends and of course my girlfriend Stephanie for the endless support. Thank you to Mr. Chow, Mr. Mo and Aunty Shanon for pushing us to be better versions of ourselves. To the other RAC boys, it’s been a pleasure learning beside you guys, time for the real world. Let’s go champs!
— Christopher Joaquin
I would love to especially thank my Korean language professor, Hae Eun "Christie" Song for being such a nurturing, supportive, and hardworking instructor. To my friends who have witnessed me have breakdowns to get back up, thank you for being an amazing support system! To the Hub (pre-COVID-19), thank you for all the caffeine so I can keep from sleeping in class. To my family, who pushed me to dart past the sky, where it is no longer the limit. And most of all, thank you to myself, who kept choosing to keep forth, despite the hardship.
— Jada May Areola
I want to give a special thank you to my teachers and counselors in the fashion program for helping me get to where I am today and for always pushing me forward. The fashion lab has always felt like home and fashion tech taught me so much in not just sewing but in life and growing as well.
— Chaslynn Moani Tolentino
I just want to give a shoutout to my parents first and foremost for supporting every decision I made throughout my college tenure. I also want to thank my MELE professors for setting me up in the best position possible to succeed.
— Kaʻela Kanaʻiaupuni Kaulia Verece
I would like to thank my parents, friends, and my two cats for supporting me on this journey!
— Jasmine Villamar
Shout out to PHNSY for blessing me with this amazing opportunity! Finally did it baby!! #Shop11onTop #FullRide
— Keenan Makana Cubi
Thank you to my boys at Waialua Service Station for keeping my vehicle in pristine condition! #HardworkDedicationSacrifice
— Keenan Makana Cubi
Thank you to my mom, dad, and girlfriend Janice for always supporting me through this rough journey in college no matter the ups and downs. I'd love to thank my family, girlfriend, and friends for motivating me and keeping me on the right track to success. I wouldn't have done it without you guys! I love you all <3
— Keenan Makana Cubi
Thank you to all of my professors and instructors for helping me achieve this momentous occasion. Their willingness to help and lend a helping hand allowed for me to learn and thrive in both face to face and online learning. Thank you to Mr. Fo, Mr. Jennings, and Mr. Takeya for everything!
I would like to say thank you to my colleagues at Student Life and Development. I never thought that I would be a part of a leadership position at a college level but they made it possible. Thank you to Professor Stearns for helping me get in and thanks to Mr. Mike for teaching us about Student Media Board. Thanks to Halo and Sadie, Faith and Jonna, Bryce and Gerimi, Shane and Logan and of course the bois Allan and Bryson!
Finally, thank you Ms. Emily! Know that we will always love you!
— Kristofel Ellazar Abella
I am so thankful to my friends and family for their constant support and belief in me. They have given me so much drive and purpose to pursue the goals that I have set out for myself. Their constant love and understanding allowed me to become the person who I am today. I would not be where I am today without them. Mahalo to you all! I love all of you!
Love you mom and dad! Thanks for being so supportive in everything that I do.
This is for you grandpa! Love you always!
— Kristofel Ellazar Abella
I'd like to thank my professors for their time and dedication to their students. The levels of success I have gained through my time here at HCC is a result of great teaching. To all my graduating AEC classmates, I'm so proud of each and every one of you! We have all grown so much and we are all onto a great and bright future. Class of 2021 is a special one, we have gone through a very difficult last year of college. We were once able to spend time with each other in the classroom, but of course we all know we had to switch to distance learning. This had introduced new challenges into our academic careers. However, we have overcome the challenges this brought upon us and we are now at the final destination. Graduation!
— Jared Kaimana Casem
I'd like to give the hugest mahalo to my family. They have been there for me since day one and showed me endless support. Whether it was helping me pay for my tuition and books or just being there to hear me talk about my good and bad days in school. Their constant support has driven me to success and made me become a great student and person. More importantly though, I have become a better son and sibling due to their support and our relationships with each other have definitely never been better. To all my friends from elementary and high school, thank you guys for being life long friends and being people that I can depend on at any time. The fact that were all now becoming adults is great. Here's to a new chapter in our lives!
— Jared Kaimana Casem
Thank you to my family, friends, and classmates for the endless support! Thank you Mr. Maghanoy for being my professor! I came with no experience in electrical work, to installing all kinds of circuits! It was a fun experience!
— Charlmer Santos
There were many influential people I have met on this road, both in and out of the OESM program, including instructors, advisors, and fellow classmates. Mr. Schaffer, for showing me that writing can be enjoyable and not just a chore. Joey, for reaffirming that I am passionate about safety. Chulee, for all your wise council and getting me involved with ASSP and NSC. Lena, for guiding my way through my time as PTK Chapter President. There are so many that I wish to thank but sadly there would not be enough space on the internet. Thank you all so very much.
— Cory Andrew Taylor
When I had made the decision to return to school for another shot at my degree, I knew I had to buckle down. In truth, I do not believe it would have been a successful attempt if it were not for my wife being behind me every step of the way. Having her support has honestly made the difference. Between my job and school, there was not much time to dedicate solely to her. Her sacrifice helped to propel me to where I am today. She helped to light the fire under me and ignite my desire to learn. Thank you my love, my Flame.
— Cory Andrew Taylor
I would like to thank my family for supporting and encouraging me through this journey of mines as well as the professors who have helped me along the way. I would also like to thank my friends for their support and fun memories I had at this college.
— Christopher Cariaga III
I would like to thank my friends and my fellow classmates for being a part of my journey as a student. I realize the best memories I have at Honolulu Community College is the time I've spent with you all, and the classes we attended together. I will forever be grateful that our paths have crossed, for there is no one else I'd rather spend my years in Honolulu Community College with, than with you all. Today is the day we celebrate our success, and I sincerely wish each and every one of you the best of luck in your careers!
— Kaysey Lee
I would like to thank my AEC professors for sharing their patience, their knowledge, and their never-ending support. They have provided me nothing short of the best education during my time here at Honolulu Community College, as they have always encouraged my growth, and always believed in my abilities and my potential as a student. It has truly been a blessing and an experience of a lifetime, to be taught by these wonderful professors. I will miss you and the AEC ʻohana very, very much.
— Kaysey Lee
Thanks to all my MELE teachers for giving us a safe place to express ourselves. To my fellow MELE students who made it a fun experience with friends that last even after college. And to Instructor Ross for giving me that tweeter for my talk box.
Don't let CLAMS get you down. Be PATIENT for that Perfect Take.
— Timothy Manamtam
I want to thank my family so much for their support as I went on this journey to get my degree. I would be no where without them and their love and support. Most of all to my husband who has been there every step of the way.
— Sara Marin Covert
I want to thank my family so much for their support as I went on this journey to get my degree. I would be no where without them and their love and support. Most of all to my husband who has been there every step of the way. Some of my best memories at HONCC are the people I have met the friends I have made. I also truly enjoyed many of my classes and the professors at the college.
— Sara Marin Covert
Mahalo to my friends and family who have supported me over the years.
— Makanaaloha Hoʻomanawanui Lindsey
Thank you to all my teachers and counselors that I have had for the past 2 years. It has been wonderful being here meeting new people and exploring new things. Although it was fun while it lasted it's time to move on to the next chapter. So thank you to everyone that has ever helped me to get me where I am today. I hope to see you all in the future.
— Nikita Nuntida Sookla
I'd like to thank my amazing family and close friends. They were the best support I could ever ask for. I would be nowhere near where I am now without any of them. I'd like to especially thank the two strongest & most supportive women in my life. Mom, all my achievements, overcoming all these struggles-- I'd like to attribute all these wins to you. Lindsey, you are my rock-- you make me feel safe and loved. Thank you and I love you all!
— Bryson Spencer Valdez Manuel
Thanks to my classmates & instructors for making these past 3 years amazing!
— Reyn Caleb Honbo
I like to thank my friends, my family, and all of the amazing professors and counselors for helping me graduate. I will never forget the fun classes I had and all the naps I took in the library.
— William Zachary Lagazo Sotelo
I would like to thank my family and friends who encouraged me to complete my educational journey at HCC and provided me endless support throughout the years. I would also like to thank my Carpentry instructors George Boeman and Dean Crowell for their guidance and help for the past two years, along with my classmates for making each day a memorable one. The program would not be the same without all of them. Finally, I would like to thank my academic counselor Jill Teraizumi for always thinking of us and making sure we are on track for graduation. I will never forget the memories made and the lessons learned from this program. I am honored to be a graduate of HCC and positive that the path I take will be a bright one.
— Blaine A Ideoka
I would like to thank my parents, my older sister, and my family for supporting me on this college journey. Thanks for helping me through some rough patches along the way, and thank you for motivating me to keep working hard to achieve my goals!
— Dennis Diric Daquioag Jr
I would also like to thank my professors for teaching me many things, and giving advice. I would like to also thank my fellow classmates for giving up some of their time to help me. My favorite memory of HCC would be, going with my classmates to get food or snacks before class everyday, and our professor would question us on the amount of things we would get.
— Dennis Diric Daquioag Jr
I would like to thank all of the MELE teachers and HCC staff for always motivating us, always caring about our success, and helping us get one step closer to our dreams. Shoutout to all my fellow MELE classmates for creating such great memories. Most of all, I'd like to give the biggest thanks and gesture of appreciation to my parents and family for always being there for me and being the biggest support system in my life.
— Royce Bailey Ariola
Woah, I, uh...don't really know what to say, I've actually graduated at Honolulu Community College! I have a lot of people to thank me for getting me this far, like my mother and father for pushing me to keep working harder; my brothers and my sister, my friends and family, my professors (my goodness, there's a lot!), the staff at TRIO-SSS, the HCC Staff, and everyone I've met throughout the years for giving me a reason to keep pushing forward. I, uh...would never have imagined ever doing this alone, and I sincerely don't plan to. Everyone is guaranteed to stumble and fall at least a few times or more on their way up, some people you know might even leave and disappear when needed most...but for those who stuck around and helped, I appreciate it a heck of a lot. They're worth having around
— Rajni Clifford Hermano Agpaoa
At the time I started my education at HCC it was not by choice. When I started I was 59 years old, and disabled. I thought I would stick out like a sore thumb due to my age. Though I’m sure I looked out of place, I never received any hint that I did not belong there from anyone. In fact what I got instead was respect, friendliness, & warmth. I am an introvert by nature so popularity is never a goal for me, but I was really surprised in my first semester of prerequisite classes when fellow students started asking me to join them in math tutoring class, or as a team member in group projects. Thank you to all my awesome fellow classmates for making me feel warm & welcomed. I actually made several new young friends. I guess it's true - "you're never too old to make new friends."
— M. Ji Fay
I have to thank each & every one of my professors who without their extreme patience and perseverance could not have accomplished the impossible, and disproved the old myth "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". This old dog learned countless new tricks thanks to them. These professors are in no particular order: Derek Otsuji, Amy Zhang, Guy Fo, Norman Takeya, Mike Jennings, Sterling Foster, Kenneth Santana, Arden Torcuato, Jocelyn Chong, and Keith Hayashi. I am so sad that 2 of my favorite counselors are no longer with HCC because they were both amazing: Cassandra Kam, and Kenisha Strong. Without them I would not have survived my first semester. Thank you! Gotta thank Drake Zintgraf too, always bending over backwards with extreme patience to be of service. Thank you very much everyone!
— M. Ji Fay
First off I would like to thank my family, my motivation for everything that I do, for always supporting and believing in me. I would also like to thank my awesome professors that were always there for me, Cosmetology is one of the hardest and most rewarding accomplishment I have ever done. I am so excited for mines and my family's future knowing that I will be able to do something that I am passionate about and love. Believe in yourself and keep moving forward, as long as you're trying you're doing something right.
— Kim Crizia Felarca Kahoʻonei
To my family -- thank you for always being supportive of my life-goals and making sure that I succeed as much as possible. I wouldn't be where I am right now, if I had not received the encouragement and excitement in going to college, then I would not be taking my next step into my education.
— Cedrick P Asuncion
Mahalo to all of my kumu! Kaeo for opening my eyes to the truth and the culture, Isaiah for all your knowledge on plants, Tiani for your amazing knowledge on moʻolelo, and Hauʻoli i kou kōkua i koʻu aʻo ʻana mai i ko kākou ʻōlelo makuahine. I also want to mahalo my other 2 kumu outside of school, Aunty Lorna for passing on your knowledge of ulana lau hala to me, and Kāʻeo i kou hoʻoikaika ʻana mai i ka maopopo ʻana o ka ʻōlelo iaʻu. You’ve all inspired me through the work that you do for the lāhui and your selfless personalities. Lastly, mahalo to Poʻi Nā Nalu. You guys have helped me in so many ways that I simply can’t write it all out on here. But the biggest one has been making me realize what I should do with my degree and all of your guys’ guidance with that.
— Cedric Kawohikūkahi Adversalo
Mahalo to my family, friends and co-workers for their support. A special thanks to my children and parents for their patience and encouragement. Love you!
— Aja Lynn Burghardt
I am so thankful for my family and all their love, support and encouragement as I attended Honolulu Community College to earn my CDA. I am grateful to Professors Elizabeth Hartline and Ann Abeshima for being the best mentors and colleagues! You have inspired me in so many ways including continuing my journey to earn my degree. I wish I could have thanked you both in person. I absolutely loved my time at HonCC and owe it all to both of you! Mahalo Nui!! Keep inspiring others, you are both incredible! I learned that when I put my mind to something and have a great support system, I can accomplish anything!
— Kristin Kauilani Kaalekahi
I would like to thank my family and partner for supporting me every step of the way. Also, I would like to thank my professors from Honolulu Community College for all their help.
— Blanca Esbeith Mendoza-Garcia
I am thankful for my friends and family while I was attending Honolulu CC. I am thankful for the new friends that I've made throughout these past semesters. I am also thankful and grateful for the amazing professors I had here. I'm glad I got the chance to attend Honolulu CC.
— Ayanna Marie Horton
For all my peers that I had taken my classes with. Thank you for enduring hardships with me, as well as teaching me the different ways in which you approach learning. It goes without saying that there are peers that are definitely memorable to me, but thank you for being very supportive and kind to me. I wish everyone the best luck with their future endeavors.
— Cedrick P Asuncion
For all of my professors that I had at HCC, thank you for building me up to the person that I am today. I am still constantly learning, and I will never forget the fun times that we had, as well the challenges that I have faced. For Professor Derek Otsuji, thank you for being my first ever professor. You have been very supportive of me, and you always kept trying to help me grow, and I truly appreciate it. I will truly not forget my memorable professors, no matter where life takes me.
— Cedrick P Asuncion
HCC has meant a lot to my family and me. The memories I made there will forever be fond ones. I want to thank the professors in the Administration of Justice Department. You rekindled my passion for education and have inspired me to continue my learning. It was through your lectures that I realized my passion for the law and its enforcement. Thank you!
— Dustin Thomas Cody Kneemiller
I've had an amazing two years here at Honolulu Community College. I'm thankful for the professors I've had while in school that has helped me excel. My family has definitely been encouraging and helpful throughout these two years and for that, I'm very thankful. I would also like to thank my classmates who have turned into lifelong friends as well, thanks for everything.
Time in college goes by so fast. If I could give one piece of advice I would say to enjoy every moment. Soak in every second of those chaotic and stressed moments in these two years. Enjoy the adventure!
— Ariel Martina Horton