Thank You

So enough about me. I have a lot of people to thank.

I have to start first and foremost with my immediate family. Dad and mom, thank you SO, SO much for the emotional and financial support. I hope that I've made you both very proud. I know there were a few moments where I might have had you worried (hee hee hee) but I finally found my way and it's all thanks to you both. Kaelyn, you have been my best friend and confidant for the past 22 years. We've both been through so much and it's been a constant comfort knowing that no matter what - you have been there for me.

To my best friends.. Harrison, Richi, and Nickie. You have been constants in my life ever since high school and my early years of college. You all know me better than most others and I hope you all know how grateful I am of your friendship. A big thank you goes to Richi for helping me develop my personal statement.

To my brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha.. I would not be the man I am today without you all. I wouldn't be as outgoing or social without my time with the fraternity. I wouldn't know a thing about networking and possessing such communication skills that have gotten me this far in life. Phi Phi Kappa Alpha, brothers.

To my "extended" family.. you all have impacted and enriched my life during the past year. It's an unreal feeling to know that I have such a strong group of family and friends in my corner. To my aunts and uncles (from all over the world).. thank you for the kindness and generosity that you have displayed to me. It excites me that I will know to pass such a strong concept of family unity down to future generations. To my "cousins".. Mon, Aron, Daniel, Justo, April, Paula, Julia, Gabe, Seany, Stjarna, Marla, Avery, Therese, Genevieve, Carol, Eddie, Kaythi, Yi, Kuan, Matthew, Daryl, Louie, Shihlin.. I'm extremely appreciative of the fact that I've been able to reconnect and grow that much closer to you all.

To my SF family... Bryant, Tanya, Brian, Marie and Warren.. I have had a smile on my face for the past year and it's because you all have touched my life in one way or another and all for the better. To my GrX friends.. I know that I'm not the most active member but you each have helped me in one way or another. Huge, huge thanks to Mike Louie and his help with reviewing my resume. I would not have landed my position with the ODF and subsequently my acceptance to dental school without you. Check out Mike's website www.careermagnify.com sometime. He knows what he's doing!

To all of my ASDA friends.. I can not wait to be a true part of ASDA! I've had ASDA fever ever since I was a predental and first learned about the organization and I can assure you that it will carry on throughout dental school! You all have successfully demonstrated to me exactly what kind of dental student and dentist I want to be. A huge thank you to Virginia for providing so much guidance and letting me have my first assisting experience at UCSF. And thanks to Wayne, Corwyn, Brittany, Gail, Michael, Katie, and Kari for all the advice and guidance. I hope that my time in ASDA will be just as beneficial to others as you all were to me.

To my OUCOD friends and acquaintances.. I'm excited to finally to be a part of your family. Thank you for all the support and positive advice. And thanks for the horror stories of dental school. Can't wait!

To my ODA/ODF associates.. thank you for everything that you have done for me. It's been a great feeling knowing that I have had all of your support and well wishes during the application process. John and Jerrell.. you both have done more for me than I could have possibly asked for. I'm glad that I've had the opportunity to know you both all the better. Thank you for being such great friends. I'll never forget it. To the doctors and dental professionals that I've worked with or met during meetings and events.. you all inspire me in so many ways. I cannot wait for the opportunity to be in your positions and give back to the community. Working on the van has provided me the opportunity to work with a multitude of doctors all with different practice philosophies and personalities. It's provided me the opportunity to have a better idea of what type of professional I aspire to be.

To my UCO associates.. UCO has treated me very, very well. I've learned and grown in so many different ways that I didn't know were possible. I learned how to be an effective leader, I learned how to work alongside others to get things done, and I learned how to give back. To the faculty and staff of the biology department and especially to my major professor Dr. Vaughan - I truly hope that I make you all proud.

And last but not least, to all of my "big brothers" and "big sisters". You know who you are. Starting from my big bro from my fraternity - Robert, my big bro during undergraduate - Richard, my big bro and big sis during graduate school - Toby (and Mandy) and Meredith, and to my big bros from Cali - Bryant and Brian. Is it even possible to put into words how much you all mean to me? You've been there for me through thick and thin. You were there to lecture me whenever I misstepped, catch me when I fell, and encourage me when I found my way. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I'm sure there are countless others that I have failed to mention. I could even mention my ex who quite honestly was one of the first people who got me thinking about dentistry in the first place! There are so many names and faces of people who have impacted my life all for the better. I am fortunate enough to meet brilliant people everywhere I go - people who inspire me, people who want to make me a better man. I'm only as great as the people I surround myself with.

So thank you, thank you, thank you.

I can not wait to celebrate this occasion with each and every one of you. Much love to you all.