# data[].attributes.body
I would like to thank my family. Their unyielding support gets me through some really tough days. Whether it is a short text to check in and say hi or a conversation when I need encouragement that I am headed down the right path with my little one, I can always count on my family to be encouraging with their comments. I try to remember that love, support, and encouragement when I encounter others. I try to be that uplifting piece or the puzzle that they may be needing, as well.

# data[].attributes.body
I would to acknowledge :

    I would like to acknowledge my girlfriend and her family for providing the motivation and support  for me to obtain my bachelors degree. I also have to thank my parents for their sacrifice in providing their financial support  because without it would not be possible for me to return to school. It has been many years since I receiving my associates degree from City College and I am in the process of finishing up my transfer requirements to National University.    

# data[].attributes.body
First, I just want to thank god for good health and getting me where I am today. Blessing me with being able to be here and learn. I want to be thankful and bless for my dad being there for me and helping me with school. I want to thank my job (scripps healthcare) for hiring me last year and giving me the opportunity and use my practices and helping people. I also want to be thankful for being healthy due to the current pandemic.

# data[].attributes.body
Just completing my Associates of Science I am beyond that I took the first steps in 2016. My husband was my biggest supporter who urged me that it was not too late and if I took the time I would succeed. He told me the time was going to pass anyways, so you might as well just get the ball rolling and eventually you will have a degree. At the time he was getting his masters at USD, which really inspired me to better my self with higher education. I cannot thank him enough for encouraging me to look into Mesa College.

# data[].attributes.body
My husband. My best friend, my balance, my sound mind. I hope that I say it enough to him. I think that appreciating the people who mean the most to us is something that tends to get shafted when life gets stressful or hectic. He is always there encouraging me and loving me, letting me figure out what it is in life that I need to find. He continues to be forever patient and understanding. He is someone that teaches me and makes me the best version of myself everyday. I am forever grateful to have someone who challenges me to rise to the occasion, whatever that occasion may be.

# data[].attributes.body
First I would like to thank my parents for always making me and my siblings their priority above all things. Since I was young their priority was us and to raise us with manners and the right way like it should be. They always helped me when I needed help and support. I would also like to thank my brother and my sister for making my life much easier at times, and other times making it harder for me. Next my friends. With my older brother being away for college, they turned into my brothers, they where there for me everyday, and I can share my best memories with them. They were and still kind of are my emotional backbone.

Samuel Orozco

# data[].attributes.body
First and foremost, I would like to praise and thank God, the Almighty, for his never-ending grace, mercy and all his blessings to me, my family and for all the people around me who make my life more meaningful. It is important to have faith in God when you are dealing  with hardship and pain because the choice you make in these moments are so important. Indeed, there are many things I would like to praise my God, such as, making me healthy,supporting me through everything I do and helping me throughout all the life obstacles.
I would like to to say a heartfelt thanks for  my parents for always believing in me and encouraging me to follow my dreams and helping in whatever way they could during this challenging period. They are supporting me emotionally and financially, teaching me that my job  in life is to learn, be happy,respect others and understand myself so that I could understand others.
To my sister Mayada and her family,I am so sincerely grateful that I have you in my life, one of the most virtuous and caring people I have ever met. You are a shining example to all who cross your path. You’re simply the best, and I thank you for your kindness towards me.
To my friend Aza, I will forever remember how good of a friend you have been to me during this time. I hope more people follow in your footsteps and learn from your exemplary kindness. Thank you so much.

Hala Kattan Rahmani

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to acknowledge sports. Sports are more than just a game. it builds your character in more ways than you know. If it were not for sports, i wouldn't be the person i am today. I am grateful for the skills sports (football in particular)  have taught me such as leadership, listening, communication, and the competitive determination to succeed.

Khanh Pham jr

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to acknowledge my family. I love my family very much and everything that I do is to make them proud. We have been through a lot and I am so happy we have remained together. There is nothing more I could ask for than a long life with them. I know that together we can get through anything. During these tough times, we stay close and hold each other a little tighter. I am grateful that we have each other and that we have the opportunities we do.
-Odalis Zamora

# data[].attributes.body
My father who was a single dad,  raising me from an infant through adolescence and who's sacrifices ensured that I was provided for and grounded as I was growing up. He inspired me to work hard and pursue my education and careers, and not give up, no matter how many obstacles arose. For being a loving dad, and providing essential life advice. I am grateful that through the ups and downs of life, my dad lives with me now and I have the peace of mind of knowing he is well and safe during this time of pandemic.

Jennifer Yeme

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to acknowledge my family. If it were not for my family, I would not be the person that I am today. My parents have been the greatest examples to me in every aspect of my life. My younger brother has also been one of my best friends throughout life, and I am very grateful for the strong relationship that we have. I have also been blessed to be so close to all of my extended family. As the years go by, I learn how lucky I am to have people so close to me who push me to be my best self.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to acknowledge all the people in my life who have impacted
me in a way that has made me become the person I am today.
Specifically, my mother, who since day one has shown me the meaning of love, taking care of me when I’m sick, cooking my favorite meal after a
bad day but also letting me know when I’m wrong. Who since the
beginning has helped me open my eyes to all the different perspective
there is in this world. She has taught me to stay positive through
everything life, even in a room full of negativity. To know that in life,
not everything is black and white, we don t always have to agree
with what people think, but we do have to respect it. That is never too
late for anything in life; it is not late to start college, learn how to drive,
and change career paths. To not be scare to try something new, to write my own story.
To my number one supporter, my super mom I want to acknowledge
everything you have done for me because without you I wouldn’t be
where I am or who I am.

# data[].attributes.body
My parents for all that they've done and continue to do for my siblings and I. I wasn't always the easiest to deal with but even through everything they've always showed me the same amount love and support. As I get older I grow more thankful for the life they were able to provide all us. I grew up I a family of 8 with my father working 2-3 jobs to be able to provide a home in a new suburban area. My mother took care of all of us even through our most difficult times. I was fortunate enough to grow up with parents who continue to love each other immensely. Im grateful to have been raised in such a happy household with a great childhood. I am who I am today because of my parents and it was their love that helped me to strive for better.

-
Jane Amante

# data[].attributes.body
I am here today in school getting my education and becoming stronger and wiser and more financially put together for the 4 most important people in my life and that is my children. I am so grateful that God gave me my babies. They are the reason why I am so ambition and am so encouraged to want the best life for them. I am such a grateful person and through this pandemic I am just more aware of how blessed I am to have a great job and to still be breathing. I am acknowledging how precious life is regardless of the and your dealt.
-
Rosemary Gilliam

# data[].attributes.body
My grandmother who has always pushed me to go to school. She did not have the same opportunities that I have had because she had my mother at such a young age and lived in poverty in Mexico, so she has always been super supportive and motivational when it comes to her grandchildren getting an education.

I would also like to acknowledge a friend of mine that motivated me to go back to school last year after I took many years off. The conversation I had with him was really the encouragement that I needed to push myself to go back to school.

I also would like to acknowledge my own hard work and dedication. In the past, I did not have as much drive, as I was still trying to find myself and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I am proud of all the hard work and personal growth I have had over the past year. I gave up a job where I made decent money so that I could have time to go back to school and pursue my passions. Taking a pay cut was not easy but I feel that it has been so worth it, and will be even more worth it when I have my degree.

# data[].attributes.body
Everyone who is trying to get through this pandemic. I currently work at a hospital so it's been crazy but we're getting through it as best as we can. I know a lot of people have lost their jobs but for now just keep your heads up, do what you can and hopefully this won't be forever, please don't be forever. To all the workers who have been working since day 1 of this pandemic, thank you for everything that you continue to do. Please continue to stay safe and healthy everyone!

# data[].attributes.body
Everyone continuing to further their education during these uncertain times. It brings my mind at ease knowing that their are others dealing with this pandemic as a community. You are all resilient and deserve endless acknowledgments. Thank you all for your strength.

# data[].attributes.body
My parents, for always putting up with my nonsense and attitude when I was young, and my friends for doing the same thing now that I'm an adult. My room mate for giving me a place to live when I needed it and time was almost up. Most of all my best friend, who I've known longer then any other friend in my life, who made me his best man at his wedding, and who to this day is never afraid to call me on my stupidity when needed. I would not be as grounded as I am now if he wasn't there when I needed him.

# data[].attributes.body
(single) parents returning to education. There's already not enough time in the day, yet they continue to grind to better, not just their own life, but the lives of future generations. I'm already struggling being a full-time employee and student. I couldn't imagine doing this while also taking care of a child.

# data[].attributes.body
The San Diego Community College District and all community colleges everywhere who make it possible for students like myself to gain an education. I know full well that without these colleges I would probably not be able to earn myself a degree. I am so grateful for all who work to make these community colleges such a great place for learning!

# data[].attributes.body
My parents, because of them, I was given the world, a roof over my head, food on the table, college education, vacations, and most of all, love and support at home and activities I did.  Without them, I would not be who I am today and pass that along to my children.

I say them because my parents could've chosen to adopt a child anywhere in the world, and they chose my country.  At a few days old, at the steps of a police station, my world changed.  My life could have gone a different way who knows maybe death, human trafficking, or raised by an unloving family; the possibilities are endless.

We are all given opportunities in life. We all experience great moments and hardships. If we take a second to see both sides of how we got there in the time and acknowledge what sacrifices done to make it happen, then anything and everything possible.

# data[].attributes.body
My father’s hard work and resilience. I strongly believe that without him I wouldn’t have the go-getter attitude I’ve acquired. Watching him be at his lowest and fight his way to the top for my siblings and I has been one of the most inspiring and motivational occurrences in my life, and the all around reason I wish to succeed.

# data[].attributes.body
All the food service workers during the pandemic. They are putting themselves and potentially their families at risk to serve our community in what can be sometimes a thankless job. I was server for many years and my single mother raised me by serving tables.

Not everyone has the privilege or ability to work from home so I would like to express gratitude to all the people working out there but specifically wanted to single out the underpaid food workers.

# data[].attributes.body
The Kumeyaay Nation . We are here on their land, now called San Diego. They have occupied this land for over 12,000 years.

The legacy and history of Black Americans and their continuing contributions to the building of this nation. Black lives matter.