Thank You, for Making College Memorable

Today would’ve been my graduation ceremony. I would’ve gotten my name called by the president of our school, walked across the stage, shook her hand, held an empty diploma holder, posed for a picture, walked back to my seat, and then waited for everyone else to have their moment while my family and friends watched.

 

I can live with not having that now. I’d care more about my future ones.

 

This article is not to share my thoughts on graduating with my Bachelor’s, however.

 

It’s to show love and appreciation to those that made a difference in my life for the past three years…

 

Thank You to the following people who made college memorable, in chronological order of when they came into my life:

*It helps if you listen to Thank You while reading*

 

Kahira – Thank you for supporting me way back when. It’s almost as if you saw me for who I could be, someone who I didn’t even think I could be at the time. Nothing would’ve transpired if you weren’t there; so, thank you. As I told you before, you’re much appreciated. I’ll never forget you and what you did for me. I hope you and your family are all doing amazing.

 

Tyrone – Thank you for being the first friend I made here at SJSU and becoming a great one after that. I’ll never forget all the times you drove me to and from places, especially with my old, old, old, old job. I appreciate you. Can’t wait to see what you do after you move on from K1. Stop doing glitches, though. Our friendship isn’t going anywhere so I’ll end it here.

 

Freddy – Thank you for being an adequate RA and a great source of memes. I probably spent the most of my time with you during my freshman year, along with Tyrone and EJ. Whenever I get on Instagram, I can always count on a meme from you. Sometimes good, sometimes eh. You’ve given me a different perspective on life since you’re the only person I know who would go out of their way to step on a puddle. I won’t forget all of the advice I gave you, especially about not going out of your way to step on puddles. We’ll catch up soon before you decide to live in Russia or Siberia.

 

EJ – Thank you for being the first friend that I made in a class and, like Tyrone, becoming a great one after that. You’ve been there since my first year and you know our friendship is not going anywhere so I’ll keep it short. I’ll never forget all the times you drove for me, Charlie and I, and for all of us to go out. I appreciate you.

 

Patrick – Maybe the most unexpected relationship I formed during my time at SJSU. Our every once in a while advising talks that became almost weekly conversations are always great as we cover various subjects of life. I don’t think we’ve ever had a boring conversation. I’m glad that you were on the good side of the 50% HAHA! Your opinion is something that I value and I’m very grateful for the relationship we’ve built over the past couple of years. I’m excited for things coming your way. Warriors games next when the season returns!

 

Joshua – I didn’t meet you at SJSU, no, but you knew you were going to be on this list. Been an eventful two years and we’ve shared almost every single thing that happened in our lives. The highs. The highers. The plateaus. We’ll keep growing. Regardless if we talk weekly, biweekly, or even monthly, our relationship remains unwavered. Excited for what’s to come.

 

Brian – From the time you interviewed me to our very last one on one, every conversation we’ve had is something I remember and cherish. One thing you told me that stuck to me is “what don’t you do?”, which was on September 12, 2018. I still remember that moment as if it was yesterday, maybe because I think it’s perhaps the greatest compliment I’ve ever received. I consider the relationship we’ve formed to be transformational and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with you and hearing how you’ve been!

 

Francisco – Man. We haven’t talked in a while but thank you for introducing me to the business world and video speed controller. I don’t think I’ll be where I am now if it wasn’t for you. You inspired me in that sense. I hope you’re doing great.

 

Shantelle – a lot of things too personal to publicly share. You gave me something to look forward to at the end of each week for the majority of my undergraduate career. Thank you for introducing me to great things—a lot of foods—I wasn’t familiar with before. For telling me I should learn how to cook. For the memories. For your voice. For choosing to spend your time with me. For anything and everything else in between during the time we spent together. You inspired me. I don’t know if you’ll even get to read this but thank you. I hope you’re safe, happy, and doing great. College wouldn’t have been the same without you.

 

Tracy – I hope you’re doing great! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do what I think I can do, empowering me to lead how I see fit, and providing me with very insightful and educational advice during almost all of our one on ones. As the longest-tenured supervisor of mine, you’ve given me the blueprint on what kind of person I should work for and with.

 

Jasmine & Angeles – Thank you for letting me learn from you during the year we spent as COs and for giving me a great role model to look up to. I admire the both of you. Jasmine, I hope work at SNAP is well. Angeles, I hope Texas is treating you well. I hope you’re both doing great and amazing!

 

Charlie – You were my resident but now you’re a great friend of mine. Like Tyrone and EJ, our relationship isn’t going anywhere so I won’t say much. If there’s somebody I see the most though, you know it’s you. I appreciate you. We’re really going to get through this pandemic together.

 

Steffany – Contrary to Tracy, you’re the shortest-tenured supervisor I’ve ever had but during that span, you gave me an amazing person to look up to and emulate. I hope I didn’t annoy you with all of the questions I asked. I hope you’re enjoying life!

 

Joe – Thank you for seeing the potential in me and advocating for me. I appreciate you for all of your advice, your jokes sometimes, and I hope you appreciate all of mine as well. Working as a mentor definitely wasn’t as fun without you as the advisor. Alas, you moved on to do bigger and better things and you know I can’t be happier for you. Our talks are always great. I’m excited for what’s to come for you. Can’t wait to try a new vegan-friendly place, on you of course, when things are back to normal.

 

Manolo – Thank you for being consistent, for being a willing listener, and for allowing me to be a part of your life. I’m proud to be able to witness your growth and be along with you on your journey to realizing your goals. Your growth is my growth. Keep striving!

 

Adriel – Thank you for always making the effort to make our meetings,  even though you’re not always punctual. Thank you for enabling me to lead how I think I should and for heeding my advice. As long as you put in consistent effort and stay dedicated, you know I’m here to assist you in order to keep progressing. Stay focused and you’ll get to where you want to be!

 

Bonnie – I think our relationship is one I couldn’t have foreseen but nonetheless is one I’m extremely grateful for. Thank you for making time out of your schedule to have consistent meetings with me even though we didn’t need to. I find our conversations to be very purposeful and insightful, especially when we discuss literary works, people’s tendencies, and professionalism. I’ll miss them and I hope we can maintain a somewhat consistent talk time after I leave. I can’t stress enough how much I value the amount of intellectual content within our conversations. I always come out of it feeling more informed and educated!

 

Romuel – It’s funny how our friendship started during the magnetism section of physics… and ever since then, we’ve continuously grown more and more connected. If I have to put our relationship into physics terms, know that the magnetic field is going up, the charges are going counterclockwise, and the magnetic field is going into the paper. I appreciate you for being you. I’m excited for your future. You know you have more success going your way. Can’t wait until we go out again!

 

Adam – Thank you for being my most consistent work out partner! I used to prefer working out alone but you became my inspiration in getting big, especially whenever I’d see you benching a plate. I appreciate you for making the time to work out with me. I’m glad we got to spend a substantial amount of time this year. Looking forward to seeing your place in WeHo!

 

Lennon – Thank you for sharing your life stories, perspective, and experiences with me. I value them highly as I learn through what you lived through. Fridays became more exciting as I got to have alternate meetings with two people I learn from. Thank you for wanting me on your team. It means a lot. I’m excited for you, specifically with what’s coming in the next 18 months!

 

Starr – When people tell me I’m wise, I immediately think of people whose advice I seek and you know you’re at the top of the list. I appreciate you for your sarcasm, your cynicism, and always being real with me. I don’t look up to a lot of people but you know I admire the heck out of you. Thank you for taking the time in giving me advice when I seek it and for being someone I know I can always count on having an honest and genuine conversation with. I’m proud to be your friend and excited to see how you’ll own the next chapter of your life!

 

Mary – We’ve only known each other for nine months but I don’t think it’s an exaggeration when I say that I think of you as my second mom. Thank you for always giving me great advice, for looking out for me, for telling me I’m being stupid in the rare times that I am, and always offering me healthy snacks!. It feels great knowing that you think highly of me because I value our relationship and respect you greatly. Thank you. I’m excited for your new job and things that are coming your way. To more meals we’ll share and to Nobu!

 

Yissel – You’re the second newest friend I’ve made, which is surprising, right? I appreciate you for, first, letting Shaq and I borrow your car, albeit reluctantly, whenever we ask. I appreciate you for being direct and telling me what’s on your mind. I really value that. You know the specific time I’m talking about. Thank you for being a good and honest friend. Also, thank you for making sopes, the only dish you made… I appreciate you. Let’s get your LinkedIn rocking and your professional image going!

Shaq – Even though I have two more months, I think it’s safe to say that you’re the last friend I’ve made here at SJSU (you know that’s one word I don’t use liberally). The last month and a half has been better than I could’ve imagined. We’re so different yet so alike. I’ve learned a lot from you and I appreciate you for everything we’ve shared in the time we spent together. I’ll never forget you yelling at me to get out of your kitchen. Three things I wish come more your way in the near future: happiness, success, and sobriety! Can’t wait to hear how much you’re loving the next chapter in your life and to keep growing what we’ve established thus far.

 

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

 

I wouldn’t be where I am now, I wouldn’t be doing what I am now, and I definitely wouldn’t be who I am now if it wasn’t for each and every single one of you.

 

You’ve contributed into shaping the Alex Montenegro that you see now as well as the Alex Montenegro that is yet to be.

 

Thank you!

 

An end of a chapter paves the way for new beginnings. I’m excited for what’s to come.

 

Again, thank you!