I just want to formally and respectfully say thank you. To everyone who I have come across in this program. All of the bonds I’ve created with others, the laughs, the stories I’ve heard, and the connections with people that I know will last a lifetime. Thank you for making me feel me again and for making these two weeks probably the best of my life. I will cherish and keep every single one of y’all in my heart forever. Best believe. Thank you for letting me express my stupidity and my craziness and everything. And for letting me rant because I love to talk and just thank you everyone in this program for existing and for choosing to be here because EVERY SINGLE one of y’all made such a huge, positive impact on my life and I want you guys to know that it does not go unnoticed. I love how I shared personal stories and got to express my spirit and not be judged. Thank you for being AMAZING spiritual beings stemming from one place having a human experience. Thank you for being strong, resilient, and indigenous. Thank you for the care and love that I received every single day here at this program because there was not one day where I wished that I were home. And finally, thank you for being you. I wish you all well.
-Aolani
nativeyouth2college.org 