Today was a big day for over 2,500 graduates participating in the 2025 University of Hawaii at Manoa commencement. Luckily I have a very dear friend that gave me VIP passes that allowed us to see everything from the front row. We even got into the special room where the President, Board of Directors, and very important people were preparing. It was a big opportunity so I invited Mateus to share this special day with us. 
Mateus didn’t even know what college was. But after this experience, he learned and knows the process of how to get into this prestigious college. He told me after, “Uncle, Now I want to go to the University of Hawaii.” You should have seen my smile. 
Everybody wearing nice clothes and of course I’m the only one wearing slippers. Haha. 
I got chicken skin watching the commencement. It brought me back 32 years to this very same place. I knew the excitement, I knew the nervousness, and I knew the uncertainty. Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment but the pressure starts the day you step out into the real world. 
World Champion and Gold Medalist Carissa Moore was the keynote speaker. OMG, her speech was amazing! I wish someone gave me that same speech 32 years ago because it was very inspiring and reassuring. I’ll get more into that later. 
Since elementary school, I’ve always encouraged my Little Princess to go to college. Later today, she said she did it for me, which made me cry. I then told her, “you did it for yourself. This day will give you the confidence and courage to accomplish anything you try in life. You did it!” Then I said “no, WE DID IT!” Haha. Congratulations young woman, I’m so proud of you!
