First of all, I’d like to thank…. ME. Hell yeah me. I put in the work, served my time in the Navy underwater for all that time for this education and fulfilled the dream my parents, the Great and mighty Sayvon & Jinky, had for me when they abandoned their entire life in Cebu, Philippines with me in the womb (that’s why they call me balikbayan). They felt that the best thing for their child was to give up their 3-story home in the Philippines for a box in San Francisco because they wanted me to succeed. Even as a parent now, I still haven’t had to do nearly as much sacrifices as them, so to get a bachelor’s for them finally is an accomplishment I don’t take likely. So, I’m giving myself the biggest pat on the back that one as conceited as myself can give. If I wasn’t my biggest supporter, then I would not have been able to self-motivate and finish. Also graduating at Oracle Park has always been the goal for me, it’s my favorite place in the world and as a die-hard Giants fan, my gosh… it was awesome to be there… even if the ceremony was 17 years long….
My biggest supporter through all this is the best Baby Mama IN THE WOOORRRLD!! The Future Mrs. Salera: Cindy Pagan. Damn, you were there with me through all the late nights, the non-stop and intense bitching of trying to make all the deadlines, you taking care of the kids while I pumped out essays and assignments even though you were tired from working 15 hour days is something that I will always admire and respect from you. I’m trying my best to ensure we attain that dream life we keep talking about, we’re both working so hard for school, work and as parents, never think I don’t appreciate all the little things you do for me, the kids, around the house, when we go out to buy food and other crap we don’t need… it all is appreciated. I’m amazed and inspired that you never give up, you don’t stop, no matter what, we got nothing else to do so we might as well better ourselves right? Growing and evolving together as people individually, as a couple, and as parents has not been the easiest of processes but I promise you it’s worth it! Loving me and being true to me, which I can’t blame you for because I’m amazing and you would be stupid to leave me, I acknowledge isn’t easy… I’m not the easiest person to deal with on all levels sometimes, so thank you for doing it and looking so damn good while you do it. Thank you Cindy for being the best thing to ever happen to me. Period.
To my perfect & beautiful ass mini-Cindy children, Priscila Ana-Maria Flores Pagan, Sean Ramon Pagan Salera, & Serenity Rose Pagan Salera… I know you don’t fully appreciate today because you’re young, but I hope you can see this blueprint I’m leaving for you in the future so that even when I’m not around you still can persevere through hardships and succeed no matter where you are in your life. Even though it is just a Bachelors and I’m still working towards more, don’t think that just getting here isn’t a feat in itself, moving up in life in all fashions is a great accomplishment, your work ethic will not be put into question, not everyone has the same path, life is difficult so do what makes you happy. We all have our own story to write, do what makes you proud of yourself. School and life will always be there for you, so please be happy. Your family will always be a cushion to fall back on. Success isn't only defined by a paper that says you did school, sometimes it's just being happy with yourself and achieving inner peace.
To my inspirational Mother… I can’t imagine this life that you have lived, what you have had to go through and be stuck with a son like me is beyond me, I’m sorry that I’m all you have left from before, but I hope I can make you triple proud. Losing 2 sons, your husband, your father, and all the other loved ones in between at such a young age is horrible and unfair, I plan to succeed so much for all of us, I hope you are the best Mom ever, you never stopped taking care of me, you are even a better Lola, my kids and Cindy are lucky to have you, the world is lucky to have you. I love you truly, always and wholeheartedly.
Simon & my father, I know you guys are looking down on me with pride, even though I would GLADLY trade this degree in just to have 5 more minutes with both of you… I’m happy and proud to have you both on my chest as I graduate for US. I’m sorry I’m not as educationally motivated as you Dad but thank you for never forcing me to be anyone else and just let me be… me. You were forced so much to just focus on school that you didn’t want that for me, you laughed off low grades if I didn’t fail and rewarded me for just not being a bad kid, I hit the jackpot in the parent department truly, the decisions I make in life to this day are still influenced by your teachings. And Simon… this is for me and you, I hope I’m still the Kuya you deserve. There’s no reason why shouldn’t still be here with us, but that’s just how life goes. I still feel you with me from time to time and all I pray is that you are at peace. I had you on my chest for graduation, literally and figuratively, you’re on my ring and on my mind all the time, I love you Mon’ this is for you.
To my day 1’s, I have quite a few: Travis, Ricardo, Jorge, Felipe, Edgar (the DILF one), Janelle, Albert, Stacy, Caroline, Genie, Austin, Michael A.C., Alyssa & Miguel… I love all of you with all my soul, even if I was dumb as rocks, you’d still love me. You never want to surround yourself with people who bring you down, and for some of you I’ve known you for almost 20 years and that has never been the case. You guys are the family I chose, thank you for being more than friends and supporting me even if we don’t talk everyday. We all want each other to succeed, we all want each other to be happy, and we all want to see each other have the best life, seriously you guys… I fucking love you.
I have the best friends and I have the best family, from Manteca to New York to the Philippines and even Norway, I feel your love everywhere I go! I have the best cousins, thank you all for always wanting to stay in touch, family is often a word to describe relationships that you feel forced to keep or deal with because, well… family. Thank the Lord Almighty that is not the case with us! We are all smart, we are all beautiful, and we are all amazing. Thank you God for everyone in my life.
These professors were so helpful and made classes a better experience then what a syllabus could offer. Professors Gütuna, Bettinger, Manbachi and Martinez are simply the best! I wish I took more classes with all of you, seeing your passion inspired me to keep going for Masters, so hopefully that is done soon. I really got lucky with not just them, but my classmates, made some great friends and I hope we all stay on touch one Instagram like at a time. Nohemi, Deonna, Christine, Thaniel, Lani and Jordan, I love all of you, I hope nothing but the best for your careers, both personal and professional, and that you guys are always happy. This degree is nice but meeting you all is what I will cherish… until the degree gets me a job that makes bank, then I will cherish the degree more….
I don’t have a sad or inspirational story, I’m far from the first person in my family to achieve this, paying for college wasn’t an issue, I didn’t need to work myself to the bone while single handedly raising 7 kids, I don’t find school difficult it’s just a lot of work… for those who go through that and more, man, you will always have my highest respect, because even without those hurdles there’s always a chance you can’t finish. For me, I’m still not done… this is step 1 and the best is yet to come. I didn’t come this far just to come this far. Stay happy, stay beautiful, and stay true to yourself.
So as always…. Loading… ♾️🔜
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