Most people in my high school wanted to stay in Los Angeles and never leave. This was not the case for me because I knew there was something bigger for me. Ever since I was little, I have kept a list of places I wanted to visit and live. New York was one of them and it was one of the places I wanted to go to college because of fashion public relations. It is kind of funny because I am proud of myself of accomplishing it. Honestly, I would not even believe anyone if they told me I would be going to school in New York. It is one of those things where you need to pinch yourself and say, “Hey, you made it kid.”

When I chose Iona, I never had been to New York or even visited the school. All I did was email and research the school. I want to thank its student leaders who helped me get to know the school through their eyes. I would also like to thank my college counselor, Ms. Domian for helping me find Iona. Thanks to her I would not know that Iona had an amazing PR program. Plus, I would not even be in the Mass Communication department’s PR five-year program and become a Visual Arts Minor.

It is crazy because when I moved here for school, I was the same age as when my parents immigrated to the United States. Thank you Mom and Dad for letting me live my dream like you two did when you were younger. I really commend you two for leaving home from Holland and the Philippines. I understand how it feels like to be away from family and how resilient you two are. I definitely got the drive and passion from the two of you. This experience had made me more independent and stronger. Thank you and I love you so much.

Over my years at Iona, I learned to take risks, learned from my mistakes and not to worry what everyone else is doing. I thank my sister, Tricia, for always pushing me to do so. If I did not take the risk and go to the Teen Vogue Fashion University’s Seminar freshman year I would not have landed my first internship at the American jewelry company, Eddie Borgo. It allowed me to get to know NYC, take the subway and accidentally go to Brooklyn instead of Mid-Town. Now, I know how to use the subway and practically map the city.

Personally, I think my classes and internships have helped shape me and push me out of my comfort zone. Borgo, Bollare Communications, MartinB+Company and MAC Cosmetics taught me I can do anything. I am thankful they taught me the value of team work, hard work and staying humble. During the same time, my classes and professors taught me the same. They allowed me to learn why media kits are important to how many artists inspire fashion designers in their prominent collections.

Furthermore, the clubs I was involved with helped as well fill the 360-degree outlook. It even gave me the greatest friends I would ever ask for – #IonianFam and my amazing PRSSA squad. I really enjoyed and honored to see everyone grow. Literally, I would not have the best memories with you guys from going to the Maury Povich Show to reading our Ionian fan mail. You all are the best and thank you.

I am still in awe with all my accomplishments and very blessed to be graduating from a wonderful school. Thank you for everyone who has helped me through this journey. I do not know what the future holds; but, I hope it will be filled with more memorable stories to my next chapter. To be continued…