First and foremost I would like to give God all the glory, honoring him for making this journey of my life a phenomenon one and to be thankful always because, without him there is no me. Today, was an amazing yet emotional day for me, due to the journey I have endured to get to this point in my life. It was not easy getting my degree, but I know it has and will continue to change my life in ways I cannot even imagine. Papa and Mama. At this point in my life, I’m considered an adult. Yes, maybe sometimes I don’t completely act like it, but that’s part of life, right? As I’m growing up, I realize just how much you did for me. And, for that, I need to truly thank you. Papa ~ thank you for telling me what I’m capable of. For giving me the support that I needed to build a dream to chase after. And for believing that I have the talent to reach my goals. Thank you for being so strict with your rules that I missed out on some moments that could have led me down the wrong path. For standing your ground when I begged to go somewhere or do something that, in hindsight, could have introduced me to things that would jeopardize my future forever. Mama ~ Thank you for showing me what a true battle looks like. For never giving up and for still being an active, involved, dedication mother to my siblings and me, even when you clearly didn’t have the energy to do so. Thank you for your personality. For sharing your love of life, sense of humor, excitement for every experience, ability to be friend a stranger, and courage to look fear directly in the face until it backs down. Thank you for showing me how to fight for what I believe in. In life, love, and everything in between. For giving me the strength to stand up for myself and expect nothing less than the very best. To both of you, Papa and Mama, thank you for showing me true love in its rarest form, what it feels like, and how it can extend beyond life’s obstacles and challenges. Without each of you, I’d be nowhere near the person I am – and the person I’m still working on becoming. There aren’t enough words in the world to express my appreciation, but I think this is a good start. I owe you one. P.S. Kaya ko po pina-suot sa inyo ang cap and gown na 'yan simple because THIS GRADUATION IS NOT FOR ME, IT IS FOR YOU PAPA & MAMA Sincerely, Your One and Only Son.