Kapiʻolani Community College 2020-2021 Graduate Pages Personal Messages

Special thanks to all the wonderful instructor/mentors at KCC and LCC who made this first step into a grander academic pursuit possible. Nobody can get anywhere without a bunch of somebodies leading support. When the time comes I pledge to pay it forward.

Mahalo,

Steven C. Camara, ITS/ICS Student
— Steven C. Camara

Sending my love and gratitude for the guidance, wisdom and teachings of my instructors in the CHW program, Phoebe, Liliana, Colby and Hilary. You inspired, prodded and challenged us to go beyond our own comfort zones with humor and grace. To my fellow CHW cohort, we did this! You have inspired me with your stories, discussions and laughter along this journey. I wish you continued success, lots of time for self-care, and strength for the journey. Lastly, to my circle of support, my family and friends whose love, care and uplift me always. I could not have finished this program without you all! Daghan salamat! Mahalo nui!
— Darlene Rodrigues

"To all of my family and friends that had been there for me during my college journey, I give you my unconditional love and thank you!! I finally get to celebrate my biggest achievement with each and everyone of you. Thank you for the constant love, support, and motivation you have given me. Thank you for believing in me, especially during the times I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for always picking me up when I'm down, especially during this pandemic full of fear and doubts. I wouldn't be where I am at today if it wasn't for you all. This celebration is not only for me, but for each and everyone that's been there for me since day one. I unconditionally love each and everyone of you and I'm forever blessed to have you all in my life!"
- Francis Bobby Pagdilao
— Francis Bobby Arellano Pagdilao

This journey wasn’t easy for me. I really contemplated on going back to school. But with the motivation of family, friends and coworkers my decision was easy, I knew I had the biggest support system even if it was only going to school for a year. I struggled in the beginning being that I was “out of the game” for a while. But over all, this journey has changed me for the better. Here’s to educating, advocating and improving my community that I love to serve in. Mahalo to everyone for believing in me. Here’s to a new chapter 💙🤍
— Alexis NS Gaui

I want to take this opportunity to thank my parents and the rest of my family for the support they have given me during these past few years leading up to this moment. Most of what I have accomplished would not have been possible without them. To my fellow graduates, while this past year has not been what I or many others expected, it still is the close of just one chapter in our lives. I and ideally many, if not all of you, are looking forward to beginning the next stage in life with optimism and hope in our eyes as we take these first steps into an unknown and uncertain world. May each of us be met with fortune and success on the paths we lead. Congratulations to the classes of 2020-2021.
— Derin J Young

I want to thank Tatiana for always taking care of me, driving me to clinical or school, cooking, cleaning, and staying by my side. I want to thank my grandma for believing in me even when I couldn't believe in myself. Thank you for being my rock and keeping me grounded. Thank you to my dog, Charlie, for being loyal and watching over me as I study until the late hours. Thank you to my uncle Ernest for always being there when I needed help, filling up the fridge, and being the best father figure in my life. Thank you to my mom for pushing me to do better and be better. Thank you to my aunty Esther for the long late-night motivational speeches, helping me with my scholarships, and for being there whenever I needed you.
— Kiana Fermina Perez-Santos

Thank you to my aunty Liz for picking me up from clinical and for helping to watch grandma when I had to go to school. Thank you to my uncle Edmund for believing in me and for supporting my efforts to continue school. Thank you to my sister, Jenice (a.k.a. meow), for inspiring me and encouraging me to be awesome. Thank you to my little sister, Jacie, for your love and support. I want to thank my squad (Jiro, Ericka, Eric, Jennerra, and T.K.) for being my best friends, keeping me mentally stable, and always coming in clutch. I want to thank the rest of my family, friends, nursing sisters, professors, counselors, the nursing department faculty, and God for helping me on my journey to pursuing a nursing degree.
— Kiana Fermina Perez-Santos

I want to dedicate this achievement to two amazing souls, my papa, Moses Ngodrii Santos & my uncle, Edwin Ongklungel Santos. My life would be nothing without the both of you. I hope I made you both proud. Rest in peace.
— Kiana Fermina Perez-Santos

Mahalo nui loa to my friends and family who guided me thus far.

Mom, thank you for being my inspiration and for supporting me throughout this adventure.

Kyle, my love, thank you for pushing me to always strive for the highest. Couldn't have made it this far without you!

Hanaoka 'ohana, thank you for all of the love and support throughout my Medical Assisting journey!

My MEDA professors, thank you for all of your love, support, and guidance! Also, for keeping me on my toes.

And lastly, to my MEDA GIRLS, my ROCKS, my JAWCKKS, I LOVE YOU GUYS! WE FINALLY DID IT!
— Irene-Ruby K Navasquez

I had a great time virtually finishing my associates degree at Kapi'olani Community College! Every teacher I had pushed me to remember why I came back to school and encouraged me to keep pushing towards my goals. This was a great step towards my end goal, and I want to thank everyone, including family, friends, staff, and students, who helped me get here.
Nothing is impossible if you keep at it!
— Chelsea Brianna Ellington

Thank you to all my family and friends for the support throughout the years. I couldn't have done it without you! I love you all.
— Kanoelani Yuko Ellis

Loving the major I took and thanks to a professor who made it interesting. Thank you to my mom and grandma Hideko for the unconditional love and support since day 1.
— Abigail Keiko Dacuycuy Watanabe

Aloha and Mahalo,

These words cannot express how much these past years of studying have meant to me. I'm by far not finished; and, it's been a struggle. But as the years pass, I learned to be thankful for those that push you to be better, who challenge you to do more than you think you are capable of, who tell you harsh truths instead of sugar coating it, and for those who, even though they aren't there 24/7, still pick up the phone and answer when you need them the most. I want to thank my Grandparents, Macrina and Cornelio, and my husband, Fabian, for their continued support and encouragement. And to all my teachers, classmates, friends, and family that have helped me through the past years until now...I couldn't have done any of this without you all.
Mahalo
— Melissa Pozon Koch

Starting with my favorite quote : "The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” Oprah Winfrey
I would like to give my sincerest thank you's to my father who gave me this amazing chance to study and live in Hawai`i and every person who has helped, supported, and guided me through this chapter of my life. Without him, I wouldn`t be able to discover new things on this beautiful island. KCC became my favorite school because it helped me to discover my true self over these 6 years and I have no regrets. My memories with my Family, friends, and professors are unforgettable in my heart. Everything is important to me because Hawai`i became my second home. It will stay forever in my heart. My memories, Mahalo Nui Loa ~
— Cynthia Raphaelle Herehia Ji Gnoc Lonfat

A huge thank you to my family and friends for the loving support throughout my education. ❤
— Chasity Lynn Unabia Pascua

I want to thank my friends, family and professors for supporting me.
— Nessa Ming Wai Siu

Thank you to my family for supporting me during this challenging journey; I would never be able to do it without you!

Thank you to my Nursing program instructor for the encouragement and advice you have shared with me!

Thank you to my KCC ADN Ohana! You guys made school fun and helped create so many good memories! We are unstoppable!

Per Aspera ad Astra!
— Svitlana V. Elsbernd

To be honest, KCC is my favorite college and will always be my most favorite college in the US. My time in college has taught me in many ways. I have learned a lot from KCC. I would like to thank my family who supported me through my college years. I am thankful for all of my professors, wonderful classes, and the opportunity to learn with you. I also want to thank all of my peers for being part of my journey. I could not have done it without these people. MAHALO NUI LOA :)
— Wanthalee Chaowanawuth

A special thanks to God, my family, friends, and fellow classmates and professors of the KCC dental assisting program who have got me this far in my life to accomplish this great achievement. It wasn't easy to say the least, but it was something I will never forget and cherish forever.

No matter how hard life gets, it will all be worth it in the end.
— Popoleyntta-Keanu Bailey Kephas

Thank you my family who had been supported and gave me the opportunity to be in HI.
Thank you my Professors and Mentors who have taught, motivated, and encouraged me to be where I am today.
Thank you my friends who are always being by my side and walking with me whenever I needed support.
Thank you so much to all of you!

Congratulation to everyone graduating!
— Ngan Tram Kim Chiem

I would like to thank my family and friends for a wonderful 2 and a half years.

I would like to thank all of my chefs who I have learned with. Peel, Takahashi, Tsuchiyama, Sato, and I would to thank everyone at Roy’s we have made so many memories and can’t wait to make more with everyone.

This has been a tough journey having to miss so much due to the pandemic. We’ve struggled through the months of no contact, but Through it all we made it together as one ohana and we will never be left behind or forgotten.

Mahalo and congrats to all my peers who will be graduating with me.
— Rodrigo K Valverde

This is for you, Mama & Papa. I’m half way done!
— Katrine Ann Tugaoen Salmasan

Most of thank you's to my professors as well as counselors I had while at KCC. Also to my family who supported my throughout my semesters and never gave up on me. And A Thank You to my friends who helped me with any assignments and pushed me to keep going. I'll never forget the memories I made on campus!
— Kiana Michiko Newcomb-Dutro

Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets.

I wanted to thank god and my beautiful wife and family for always believing in me. A special thanks to my momma Rosie and momma Vicky and all my in laws, I couldn’t have done it without your love and support. Thank you to all my professors and especially thanks to my VR&E counselor and the US Army.

Congrats class of 2021, we did it!
— Alex James Bozyck

Thank you to my family and friends who've supported me throughout this part of my educational journey.

Thank you to all of the professors that have shaped my capabilities, ultimately helping me get to where I am today.

To all the classmates and new friends I've met along the way in the Medical Laboratory Technology program, I'm excited to be in the work field with you all! I'd also like to send the best wishes and luck to all of your future endeavors.
— Xennah Mae Fontanilla Julian

" I wish more of our students were like you “

Transferring in my second year in college wasn’t easy. I was lost and confused about the classes and the resources around me until I met my Academic Advisor, Lisa Yrizzary, who helped me build up my college plan and introduced me to different resources. Then she introduced me to Li-Anne Delavega, whom I owe truly thankful to. Li-Anne showed me all that I can benefit from attending KCC STEM major. From research opportunities to conferences, that widen my perspective in STEM.

Without the help of these two amazing mentors/counselors/advisors, I wouldn’t be able to go to UHM with confidence in myself as an Engineering Student.

That’s why “ *I hope that more students like me will meet their own mentors as I did with
— Jeraldine Joy Tan Milla

Mahalo nui loa,

To all my professors at KCC, who worked so hard to guided and taught us a lot of wisdom and knowledge about life and the subjects they teach.

To all the staff, especially in Trio and STEM Center, who showed me different resources that I could benefit from staying at KCC.

To my classmates and my friends who keep me company during those tough times.

To my family who supported me in my decisions and has been there for me since the first day of my journey at KCC.

And lastly, to my past self who gave her best in everything in spite of all the challenges, she faced reaching this goal.
— Jeraldine Joy Tan Milla

ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi.
'Õlelo Noeau #203
All knowledge is not taught in the same school.
[One can learn from many sources)

Mahalo nui to all my Kumu who have journeyed with me in this immersion of Hawaiian language, culture, and knowledge.
— Lailatul Zuraidha Akashah Lopez

Congratulations class of 2021! We did it! We have accomplished one of the major milestones of our lives. First of all, I would like to give thanks and praise to God and thank my family and friends for their constant love and support throughout my journey in college. I couldn’t have accomplished this without their support. I have truly worked hard for this and I hope I made you all proud! Thank you to all of my accounting professors who have guided and and helped us through it all. I appreciate all of your contribution to my life and career and I promise to cherish your lessons and hopefully one day be as inspirational to others as you were all to me. Once again, congratulations class of 2021! We did it!
— Danica Mae Binuya

I still can't believe that I'm graduating from KCC in just a few days. It had been my dream to study abroad since I was 11 years old, so my dream came true. However, studying abroad was harder for me than I expected. I'd been overwhelmed with assignments since I entered in KCC. I've also faced a language barrier for the first time in my life. Looking back, I was physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. However, I've wanted to speak English fluently and make use of my experience for my future work. That's why I really made an effort to learn about not only English, but also hospitality(my major) and culture. Graduation day is finally here, one of my goals did pursue. All my hard work has paid off. I couldn't have done it without my parents, boyfriend, and friends.
Love them all!
— Ayaka Sasaki

The way I look at the world has changed ever since I came to Hawaii.
Even though leaning Accounting in English was super hard, the time I spent here is an precious memory for me.
Big Mahalo to my family, friends, and Hawaii!!!
— Ryuki Mikawa

Thank you to my amazing daughter Zoë, you inspire me every day.

Thank you to my mom for your love and support.

Thank you to my friends in Dallas and New York who continue to be there.

Thank you to my FHSD Kinau Hale family who remind me that I can do it.

Thank you to my advisor Flo and all the legal studies faculty.

A special 'Thank You' to Professors J and Koide Iwao who show genuine care in our success. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you all!
— Yasmine Cameron

Fist of all, I’d like to say to my family, "Thank you for letting me study abroad in Hawaii and giving me a valuable experience and opportunity at KCC!" Also, thank you, my family and friends, for always supporting me. Before studying abroad in Hawaii, I was worried about my life in Hawaii because I was born and raised in Japan, and it was my first time to go abroad alone. However, thanks to my family, and my friends in Japan and Hawaii, I could graduate from KCC! I’ll continue to use the wonderful knowledge and experience I’ve learned at KCC and in Hawaii <3 ありがとう！
— Eimi Kubota

Life is unpredictable. Just three years ago, when I arrived at this beautiful island, I never ever expected what happens today. I am proud of what I achieved, overcame, and learnt.

I appreciate everyone who is around me, especially my mother, Fumina. She raised me, supports me, and gave the opportunities for me to be who I am now. I respectfully thank my mom. Also, my sister, Manami. She is always my ally, study buddy and best friend. Without the awesome family member, I could do not anything.
I would like to mention my wonderful fiance, Adam. He is always by my side for me. I am excited to start my own family with him soon. Yes, very soon. When I officially graduate from KCC, I will be Mrs!
— Kaoru Kanehira

Let me say thank you for great KCC faculty. They made my days, and they made my future.

Ms.Malm made my English foundation. Mr. Uedoi developed my English. As an international student, I really grateful for their lecture.

Mr. Tan encourages me to pursue my dream as a professional accountant. I can not thank him enough! Mr. Dooley helps me to go through tough days to think about my future as a mentor. I could decide my future thanks to him. Mr. Seabolt teaches me a lot of important things through accounting club experiences.

I wish I could have enough space for listing every faculty here, however, I would like to say I really, really appreciate them. With everything they gave me in my heart, I am graduating from KCC.
— Kaoru Kanehira

After so many sleepless nights and stressful days, I can't believe I did it. It is through determination, perseverance and faith that I am able to make it through. Along with those values are my supportive family and friends who believed in my capabilities to be successful in all of my undertakings. My sincere appreciation to all of you.

I dedicate this success to my parents Mommy Josie and Daddy Jun - this is for both of you! I love you!

I celebrate this moment with you, Tumtum. Thank you for believing in me - Yumyum.

"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."

Be wild and free!

Jayce elle Esta Mina, CHW
WITH HIGHEST HONORS
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE
DOUBLE GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY AWARDEE
— Jayce Elle Esta Mina

I am so grateful to all the professors, friends, and family that were able to help me through my experience at KCC. So many precious memories, both big and small, have made me into the person I am today. I couldn’t have done it without you!
— Sophia Jewel Ramirez

Talofa and Thank you to all my family and friends for your support. Wishing the best for all my classmates and our teachers who empowered us to embrace our inner purpose. This is dedicated to my children who mean the world to me, “you will never be to old to go back and claim what was meant to be yours. I love ❤️ you all
— Florence Tauaefa

My journey of becoming a Medial Laboratory Technician has finally culminated. It wasn’t easy but by the Grace of God Almighty, and through the never-ending support of my professors, friends and family, I have achieved it.

Finally, I am a graduate Mom and Dad! I have achieved another milestone in my life by completing my MLT degree with flying colors. All your dedication and hard work paid off. I love you and owe all my success to you. I am a graduate today because of your faith in me. You always had faith in me, even when I had lost faith in myself. Your motivational words paved the way for my success. I would also like to thank my dear sisters who has been my strength and who have been by my side through thick and thin. Thank you for your love, support and help
— Kasandrae Brooke Bumanglag Natividad

To my professors in KCC, thank you. Thank you for helping me in my studies and for putting the trust in me. To my professors in the MLT program, thank you for teaching me everything from the very description of blood and complex test procedures to your values as a professional. I have gained so much knowledge and understanding but the greatest benefit that I have gained in the MLT program is that it made me believe in myself, in my skills and capabilities. You are an inspiration and motivation to everyone. It could never have been possible without your dedication, enthusiasm and commitment. Thank you for making me a graduate today.
— Kasandrae Brooke Bumanglag Natividad

Thank you to my friends who have always been a pillar of strength for me. Your love, support, and words of encouragement played a big role in achieving my dreams.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of my academic journey and best of luck to everyone for their future endeavors.
— Kasandrae Brooke Bumanglag Natividad

As I journey, I found myself craving knowledge, college found me, grew me, now sets me free!

YAY!
I DID IT!
Graduated with honors, Phi Theta Kappa

Many thanks, with gratitude, to those at Windward Community College; Kathy Helfrich from Hi-Net Program, the staff at financial aid, and Carla Rogers for providing my new beginning.

Many thanks, with gratitude, to those at Kapi'olani Community College; Amy Cook, Carry Torres, and the staff at financial aid, for providing the rest of my way.

Love and Aloha,
Carlyne
— Carlyne Marie McGuire