~:[Spotlight]:~ Allen Lin

~:[Spotlight]:~ Allen Lin

As a freshman, he drove me nuts. He couldn't sit still for a minute and his energy level was through the roof, but little by little he matured and by senior year, he was there every time I turned around with an incredible group of senior boys who would take the lead in making sure everything was set up and taken care of. 

When he set off, I figured it would be like most alumni who find their way into the new world ahead, something that I love to see them do. However, our paths crossed again as somehow it worked out that he would join me on my road trip that I originally planned to do solo.

Aside from his knowledge of how to do things and his resourcefulness and despite the fact that he always gave me a heart attack since he was a risk-taker beyond my levels of comfort, I was happy to have had the opportunity to get to know him. He changed a lot since freshman year as he balances his love for adventure with his ability to hold a deep conversation.

Over time, we discovered our similarities in our love for alone time, yet also found our ability to hold discussions in a number of areas which we had common interests in. He was both a little crazy, but also a very deep thinker. I enjoyed the balance and found that I treasured our connection.

As he continued to do things such as bike down the entrance to the Arches or into Canyonlands, ride in the back of the truck, or climb to rocks that were not always the most stable, I realized that our journey was coming to an end. 

Tomorrow, we both leave from LAX on the same airline in the same direction with Allen traveling further north. As his plane passes overhead, I will know that he has the skills and ability to connect with people while also never losing himself and the things he loves. Who knows what the future brings and when and if he'll ever return, but I know that his adventure will be an amazing one. 

On your journey, grow, learn, love, and soak in all that is around you, as no matter how great or terrible things may be at any given point, you're doing something that your heart told you to do and you followed it. For that, you deserve this spotlight. 

While I am sad that you are going, as you said, this is but a "see you later," an adieu, as it will not be long until we meet again. 

*****  

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jae Park

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jae Park

Typically the spotlight is reserved for those who "may never make headline news," however, this next individual is already making headlines as part of the group, Day 6 in Korea. So why then focus him in the spotlight? 

I think part of what makes his story special is the leap he took to get to where he is today. I think we can all learn that if there is something that we want (or might want), it doesn't hurt to take that leap of faith to go after it. While you want to be realistic, you also need to give it a shot, as you never know where it will take you. We all have goals and dreams and Jae's story shows that if you go after it, you might just end up in the spotlight of your own. 

As I think about where Jae came from until today, I am always inspired and know that I also need to take that leap of faith from time to time to see where the road will take me. He definitely took a risk as he started his journey and it paid off and I hope that you find continued success as you have tons of talent and I think the best is still yet to come. 

Check him out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3sFsHrUyLQ!

Oh and happy birthday!

*****  

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Sandy Hu

~:[Spotlight]:~ Sandy Hu

Sometimes you wonder if things just happen by accident or if things really fall into place. I still remember back when a girl in my math class lost her money for prom. My friends and I didn't really know her that well, but we ended up getting a collection to get that ticket (or something along those lines). Regardless, that moment seemed to start one of the high school friendships that I still treasure to this day. 

While we have always been separated by quite a distance, we've always seemed to connect. Whether back at home, in San Diego or in New York, it always is a joy to reconnect with you and to see you thriving in what you do. 

When you headed off to New York, I was a little sad, because I knew you had the skills to make it there and would be quite the distance away. However, I am happy to see you adjust to the city and to find such great success. It's always a pleasure to catch up and see you, no matter how short of time we have together. 

I will always remember you love for dolphins, your thoughtfulness, your creativity and now it's a joy to see your growth with the Lord. To be able to see the places you worship have been quite the blessing and have also reminded me to keep my conversation with God open. 

I always keep you in my prayers and while we are quite the distance away, I will always keep our friendship as one I hope will last. 

You've always been a behind-the-scenes type of person, but for your love, care and concern for others, the effort and love you put into all you do and for the smile that shines brighter than Times Square, I believe it's your time to be in the spotlight. 

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jonathan Watanabe

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jonathan Watanabe

We've had our differences, but when I think back to my life with my brother, I can honestly say that he has been such an incredible person in my life who has always cared for me since the day I was born. When I was little, he used to sneak into my crib to be with me and throughout my life, I have played the roll as his sidekick.

I got to toast to him and his new wife at their wedding last week and it was great to think back to all the memories that we shared. I can't believe that we went to the same K-8, High School, College, Credentialing School, and Masters Program.

Brother, you've been there for me throughout my life and I was lucky enough to say a lot of what I would have said in this post to you in person at your reception. I am just so thankful to have a brother like you who has always cared for me as much as you could (because I know I would have to cook if we were stranded somewhere) and has always looked over me.

While I may not always show it, I am thankful every day that I have been blessed to have a brother like you by my side. I couldn't imagine many other siblings being able to room together in college and work next door to each other at school. Of course, I wasn't too sad when you  moved away because I inherited a second room :)

I am so glad to see you so happy and to see you move on to the next stage in your life. Just remember that I will always be here for you and I love you so very much! Thank you brother and for all that you have done as my superhero, you deserve your moment in the spotlight!

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Grace Kuo

~:[Spotlight]:~ Grace Kuo

I always try to match up these spotlights with important events and while I missed doing this on her graduation, I decided, it would be great to do this on her return to Southern California! I met Grace her freshman year when I was a junior. It's always hard to remember that far back, but while I have a horrid short-term memory, my long-term memory is quite vivid. Being someone going into neurology, I'm sure she can diagnose me. 

She has always been a studious one, being a product of Whitney and all. While hanging out in high school, I remember that I accidentally went south instead of north on the freeway. In order to turn around, I got off at what I thought was an exit, but it was a weight station and I hit a speed bump at sixth. It felt like one of those car chases and Grace was in the passenger seat taking her Chemistry practice test, just before she screamed at me. That was one day short of sixteen years ago and it's amazing that we still keep in contact. Grace stuck it out through the toughest of times and was always there for me and the team when we needed her the most and it was through that stretch that I grew to appreciate her the most. 

She has become legendary within our program as a few of the runners that ran under her, talk about how tough she was on them. She helped build a team of female athletes who were tougher than our boys, as they were all a product of a coach who was one of the toughest people I have always met. I think they became tough because they feared her, but they grew a lot because of  her. (I may just have to institute some Gracesonian coaching tactics next year.) However, behind the tough facade, is a caring individual who gives 110% and then some, making sure that the people around her are taken care of. 

Sure she may buy too many things every once in awhile, but all in all, I cherish all the wonderful moments that we have shared, the places we have explored, and all the delicious food we have consumed. While I know you're going to hate me for posting this picture, I hope that you know how much I have appreciated having you in my life and am so glad that you'll be back in the area so we can all go on fooding and other adventures.

Congratulations on your graduation and also on finally finishing all of your packing so that you could return home. See you very soon!

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Justin Chang

~:[Spotlight]:~ Justin Chang

As a teacher and coach, I often go into a school year and season thinking, what do I need to teach these students and athletes? What should take priority and ultimately, what can I do to reach these students and athletes in the best way possible? While that may be my approach, every year, I learn just as much from the students and athletes and they learn from me, if not more. 

Coaching is a tough and demanding job, as the pay is terrible and the hours are long (that is, if you want to put the time in to do a good job). However, at the end of most days, I don't sit there and ask myself, why do I do this. At some points, it's easy to lose sight of what is important, however, Justin reminded me of one of the greatest lessons that I will be reminded of most days, patience and how important this experience is for each and every athlete.

I was a little nervous and anxious to have an athlete come out with special needs, as I had so many questions swirling in my mind. However, after some time, I began to realize that Justin was simply special and was exactly what I needed. Especially at the start, things were not all fine and dandy, as it took some adjusting to having him on the team; however, I adapted and so did the team. He learned our routines and we learned more about Justin. 

I will always remember his first race. He ran straight to the water fountain back when we had one that lined our dirt track. While I thought he would get a DNF, Justin continued to run and I will never forget him crossing the line with his hands up in victory, repeating, "I won." It's a moment that couldn't have been written better by an writer in Hollywood. It will be a moment that will stick with me for a lifetime.

The most interesting part of the whole experience is that Justin made the full transition. He required minimal support by the end of his time and the team required little instruction, as they stepped forward day after day to do what Justin needed. A week prior, Justin raced out too quickly at the start of the race against Norwalk. It was interesting to see that Justin adapted and went out at a much smarter pace against Bellflower and finished the last race of his career on a high note.

Regardless of his times and his performances, however, Justin reminded me to see that coaching cannot be about coaching to win, but about coaching athletes to learn, to love and to experience. As if I can do that, then I truly win, as Justin did in his first race. It's great to see an athlete step up to a podium and accept his/her medal or to beat a record, but ultimately, to see an athlete cross the finish line after the best effort they could, to see them talking and smiling with their friends, and to see them learning and growing, is the greatest thing a coach can experience. With Justin and the rest of this ohana, I have been lucky enough to be blessed with a team who can spoil me with these great experiences day after day.

I still have a ways to go, but I am that much better because of you Justin, which is why you deserve your moment in the spotlight. 

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Snitra & Analia (The USGs of My Life)

~:[Spotlight]:~ Snitra & Analia (The USGs of My Life)
Sometimes in life, people come and go. Sometimes they go because of a fight or argument or maybe because your friendship was really not that strong; however, sometimes it's simply because you lose touch. Getting busy is no excuse for losing touch with simple people, but when you think of these people often, you know that they had a special place in your life and thus, deserve a moment in the spotlight. Snitra and Analia were my two Under Secretary Generals my first few years when running the UC Irvine MUN Conference. They helped me grow the conference from a few hundred to about 1500 and helped me attract schools from different states and even Mexico! Of course, they were more than helpers, they were my sanity. When everyone else was too busy to help, they would give me a call and see if I needed help, even if they were too busy themselves. They would calm my nerves, slap me when I was going crazy, make me laugh when I needed to relax and even feed me when I would try to work through the day without a meal, yes, they literally forced food down my throat. I always try to do too much and these two were some of the few who would take the work from me since they knew I wasn't going to do a good job delegating work. I may have gotten my love for Disneyland from Snitra, as it was one of her favorite places. She definitely was my enforcer and would put her foot down for me or at least remind me that I needed to raise my voice up. Analia would knock some sense into me and be sure that I took care of myself, being the great mother then that I know she is today. I wish I saw these two more and I hope that the future brings us back together, but as of now, I can give them a moment in the spotlight, as they have helped me develop as a Model UN advisor and also as a person.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jennifer (Leung) Jou

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jennifer (Leung) Jou

It was way back in 1997 that first met Jennifer. It's amazing how time can fly and seem like it hasn't been too long, when in fact, it's been almost a lifetime! I've been so luck to spend so many moments with someone as incredible as Jenn who has a smile that can light up a room, the brains that will continuously challenge you, a heart that she shares with all of those around her, and is a person that you'll be lucky to find another one of in your entire lifetime. We shared some great memories in high school such as many MUN conferences included an away conference at UC Riverside, the dances, the school activities, the birthdays and more. In college, we got more opportunities to continue our friendship. I was lucky enough to have her join us to chaperone for MUN and also for cross country and have numerous other outings after we both finished school. I have gotten to see so many of the amazing things she has done, such as coordinating the lunar festival and seeing her grow her own urban garden. Jenn never ceases to amaze me. She has been there for me in the worst of times to lend a shoulder to cry on and also to celebrate in the best of times. I could not ask for a better friend who can make the most of any day and brighten up your day with her smile and maybe a few animal noises on the side. Today is a special day, because not only is she being spotlighted, we celebrate the very day she came into this world. A day we were all blessed to have come along, as this world is much more amazing with you in it. Happy birthday!

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Kwiri Yang & Vanuatu

(PC: http://www.yachtcharters.cz/expedice-pacific-2014/)

 ~:[Spotlight]:~ Kwiri Yang & Vanuatu

I was planning to post this spotlight soon and an unfortunately disaster happens which makes this spotlight even more important. I met Kwiri at a wedding and it was amazing how personable and social she was. It was so easy to get along with her and after getting to know her, I was amazed at all that she does and all that she has accomplished. Kwiri is a prime example of how to persevere when the odds are against you, how you can prove everyone wrong and how you can burn a trail for others to follow you. When my schedule is busy, I just think about how other people are busier than I am and it keeps me going; one of those people is Kwiri. Regardless of how many hours she works, she continues to give back, she continues to be there for her friends and she gives 100% to the infinite power. Once I had to reschedule the day that she came to speak to my class and she worked with me despite her schedule and despite having a late night meeting and pretty much working a 48 hour shift or so. What's even more incredible is how she connected so well with the students and was so real with them as my students left saying, "how do you have such cool friends?" She is cool, but she is also loyal, accomplished, a great friend, a fantastic photographer, a dedicated Yelper and foodie, and much, much more. While these spotlights are suppose to be for those amazing people who deserve their spotlight, I know that Kwiri would want this to be a spotlight on her home, Vanuatu. Vanuatu suffered one of the worst cyclones in the Pacific in some time and my hope is that you can help pray for all the people on the island of Vanuatu for this amazing person Kwiri. This beautiful place is where she grew up and the country and the people of this island, especially her friends and family, deserve our thoughts, our prayers and to be in the spotlight. Thanks for doing your part by keeping Vanuatu in the spotlight.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Janie Jin & John Chang

~:[Spotlight]:~ Janie Jin & John Chang

I guess I can lump two people in a single spotlight when they share one roof over their heads. These two are my triathlon relay teammates, well sort of. I was the weakest link and therefore ruined the whole ordeal, however, I am glad to have shared so many great moments with these two. John is my bae and while Janie has taken some of the space in his new profile picture, at least she still let's me share John on occasion. Haha, ok ok seriously though, these two are GREAT people. When you talk about people who are always great to be around, I think of these two. John is always up for a good time *wink wink* While I have not known him for as many years as I have known Janie, I still love being around him, as I always feel that every time is a good time to talk to him or be around him. I always feel that he has got my back and will be someone you can always count on. When I first met Janie, my goodness, I wondered, what is up with this girl. She still has that same smile that she had freshman year when she thought there were hamsters running Jerry's car and a pool on top of the gym, however, she has grown up so much. I love to grab a boba with her from time to time as it always seems that even when she is busy, she finds a way to make the day a great one. I love you two and I am glad to have you in my life, which is why I picked up two for this moment in the spotlight! Keep being that beautiful self of yours John and Janie, thanks for sharing.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Thien-Nam To

~:[Spotlight]:~ Thien-Nam To

I still remember during his freshman year when I almost cut him. He would go run off with his friends to go jump around with people like Yoshi and not care that he missed practice one bit. His favorite line that year ... "I quit." Fast forwarding a number of years, I remember how he sprained his ankle just before the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Sacramento. He wanted to take down the youth record, but just before that race, he sprained his ankle playing basketball. Despite the difficulty, he finished the race and did his best, while it may not have been the race he had hoped for. Somewhere along the way, this athlete grew up and in the process became my pseudo-son. While I still want to strangle him from time to time because of his antics, he has helped build the Cerritos Cross Country program to what it is today. As an athlete, he improved, became the first individual to qualify for CIF Finals and won almost half his races his senior year. He battled through injuries and continued running in college, giving us another team to cheer for. He added to his impact on the program by joining the coaching staff at Cerritos and it was apparent that he was one who would really could take the program over the top. He always is thinking of ways to improve his athletes and spent so much time working with them. He helped lead his boys to multiple league championships and continues to be the reason why they are successful. When asked to take over the jumping program for track and field, he learned everything he needed to and really helped them as well, even getting to go to the state championships with one of his athletes. Want to know his level of dedication? Despite rupturing his achilles, he was at practice almost every day he could get there during that track season and even showed up to a meet immediately after his surgery. Despite losing him to the University of Kentucky, he always checks in with us and am glad that he was a part of our program. I am also glad that he came into my life. He is a great and loyal friend and now that he is gone, I realize even more how often I hung out with him. He always was willing to go out and eat and even venture on a short trip here and there. Because I miss him so much, I have decided to take my talents to Lexington ... well only for a day or so, but despite all the headaches (mostly early on), you really showed me that people can change drastically and you helped remind me to not take life too seriously all the time, only when it's necessary.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Julie Belanger

~:[Spotlight]:~ Julie Belanger

I "mustache" you a question, who is one of the coolest people you know? Yes, it is Julie Belanger, even though she is a Dallas Cowboys fan. I am not sure exactly when, but over the years, I have been lucky enough to get to know this wonderful individual. From venturing the streets of New York to simple chats about all the wonderful food that we've chowed down on, Julie has been such a great person to be around. I could not have imagined how much fun we would have roaming the streets of New York, which we needed to do to work off all the food that we were eating. She has always been there for me and has dealt with all of my errors (sorry) that I've made and dealt with them even when she was facing her own obstacles in her life. It hurt me deeply to know the difficulty that you've had to face this year, however, I wanted to spotlight you this week because I wanted to know how special you were to me and many others and hopefully you know that we will always be here to support you! While I know that he already knows this, your father has one of the most incredible daughters than anyone could ask for and I'm sure that is the greatest gift that you could have ever given to him. Thank you for always be there for us and I hope that now, we can always be there for you, hopefully with Peeps in hand. Thank you for being an amazing colleague, but more importantly, an incredible friend.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ MUN is FUN: Bill Mustard & Diane Middleton

~:[Spotlight]:~ MUN is FUN: Bill Mustard & Diane Middleton

I almost feel as if I am cheating these two giants of my life by making them share the spotlight. However, while MUN is something we shared together for a number of years, we also have shared something else very special, an almost week long celebration in May, as our birthdays are separated by less than a week. It's no wonder why we seem to get along so well since the very start.

Without Bill Mustard, I am not sure where the MUN program would be today. He came in my senior year as an advisor who knew nothing about what he was getting himself into and has grown into a veteran advisor of the program. He was survived so much over the years and still keeps his spirits up through the day. I am so lucky to have met him, as I would not be teaching at Cerritos had he not talked to me about the possibility of coming over. I always though it was strange how the world works, but I guess that it's true that sometimes it's being at the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. I am so grateful for that life-changing day where I changed my career path as I am not sure if my life would be as amazing as it is today without him. There always is so much to learn and I am glad that I am learning it with one of the nicest people I have ever met. I am glad I had someone like you to teach me the ropes and hope that there are many more adventures ahead of us. Thanks for doing so much to inspire so many and for working so hard to ensure the success of this program.

The energy that Diane has in the classroom is amazing. When I first started student-teaching, just watching everything she did really inspired me to work hard and to really reach out to the students. She cares so much for her students and trying to get the lessons across to them, which also makes it tough when a student is not willing to make that effort. Diane has a heart of gold and I have shared so many memories with her through MUN, as well as through teaching. From her wonderful adventures in New York in some of the coldest of temperatures, to the delivery man, "you Japanese," from adventures in London, to those good times working with students in the classroom, trying to figure out exactly what they were trying to say, I would say that I am the teacher that I am because of her! Thank you for inspiring me and so many students and while I miss you immensely in MUN, I am glad that you are my neighbor and I can continue to be inspired by the energy you put into your class every day. While even in the toughest of times, you continued to brighten the days of others around, as you are so selfless and am proud to call you my friend.

Because of you two, MUN truly has been, FUN.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Jamie Young

 ~:[Spotlight]:~ Jamie Young

The best people in the world are those who can make a rainy day seem spectacular and can make the most of any moment, even when things are not going so well. Jamie has always been one of those bright spots in my life, because she always knows how to appreciate all that life has to offer and to make the most of the time we have. You've always had the biggest heart and have done so much to help others and make sure that those around you are taken care of before you focus on yourself. Since I met here, I feel as if she has continuously inspired me to become a better person by showing me just how to appreciate all that I have. We've had so many adventures that I will never forget and her craziness just adds to the fun. In all parts of the US, we've enjoyed the adventures of going from place to place, eating all the delicious food the world has to offer, enjoying the peace of the ocean, running through all parts of Disneyland, and yes, even learning how to navigate the subways of New York with over forty student alone, as I lounged in the lobby of the hotel. You deserve your moment in the spotlight, as through it all, you've kept your smile, your positive attitude, and have always been a great Yoshinoya-lunch friend who is always down for an adventure, waiting with a bag of snacks. I hope this world has many more adventures in store for us, but regardless, I am thankful for all the ones we have already had.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ June Kim

~:[Spotlight]:~ June Kim

I picked this picture for June, because she is the "dawg." I am not sure what I would be like without June. Coming from a private school, the transition into high school was going to be rough, however, she made it that much easier for me, as she took me in as a friend and introduced me to all of her friends. I didn't feel much of a "transition" and I owe most of it, if not all of it, to June. I will always remember her teaching me the Animaniacs countries of the world song, bowling with her in the early morning in a season "she" got most improved, cooking chili and other delicious foods, seeing if we could see our Spanish teacher smile, celebrating our 16th birthday's together even if our birthdays were two months apart, and of course, the junebug that I slipped under the door just before she comes out screaming. It's always great to sit down with her and grab a bite to eat and while I wish our schedules could align more, it's always great to know that you had a life-altering friend such as June in your past. You always find a way to encourage others, say it how it is, and always make me feel good when things are not always so great. You are inspiring and have inspired me to do good in this world by just being yourself and welcoming me into your world.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Andrew Hong

~:[Spotlight]:~ Andrew Hong

It's funny how the world brings people together. In high school, we barely knew each other. I know I talked to him at least once because I took a photo of him for cross country. He was a freshman when I was a senior. We also went to the same college, however, same deal, we didn't talk much, if at all. However somewhere along the way, we became good friends and I couldn't have been luckier to find as great of a friend as he. Of course, I didn't spotlight him just because he is my good friend, I did so because he is the kind of person that everyone should be lucky enough to have in their life. The one person in their life who always has your back, always is making sure that you are taken care of and having a good time, and keeping it fun for everyone around. He often sees the endless possibilities of adventure and seizes all the opportunities that this world has to offer. He is also fearless (sometimes too much so) and it is something that I am shooting to attain, as I know that it will help me pursue things that I may have once thought impossible. On top of it all, he has given me some great advice as well as his love for fun and adventure is what I have highlighted, he also has a good perspective on things and always is able to give me good direction with his advice. When looking back, I regret that I didn't talk to him more and create a better foundation for our friendship earlier on, but I am at least glad that I have had the experiences that I have had. I hope that in the future, we can continue to be friends and much like we traveled through Europe, Hawaii, Vegas, and more, maybe our families can travel together and create more memories with our wives and children.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

~:[Spotlight]:~ Nellie Mancilla

~:[Nellie Mancilla]:~ 

It's amazing to come across people who are willing to give up as much as they need to ensure that the people around them are taken care of, Nellie is one of those people. Nellie goes through her days with a smile and does so much to ensure that her children are taken care of, as well as our team. Having to drive a distance to work is one thing, but being willing to do so multiple times or to burn time waiting for your children to finish practices or activities is another. She is always one of the first people to volunteer even if it means she has to go out of her way to help. She has overcome so much in her lifetime and has been quite the inspiration to me, as I hope that one day I can be a strong and selfless as she is and do as great of a job as she has done raising her children.

*****

The spotlight is a column that will highlight at least one person every week who deserves all the gratitude in the world for what they do. While the individual may never make the headline news, they are the type of person that deserve their moment in the spotlight.