Thank You

Aloha & Hafa Adai to the staff and students at Aiea High School. This is Ashley Watanabe, Aiea high school graduate of the 2001 class. I am currently residing in Guam and just had a moment to reflect on life and the people that have impacted my life to get me where I am today….thousands and thousands of miles away, yet never far from the place I know as home. I never got a chance to give back to the Alma Mater that has helped mold me into the person that I am today, but wanted to write in brief to thank those that have touched my life and hope to give a bit of encouragement to those who have only JUST BEGUN their journey in this exciting LIFE!!

Coach Rodney Cavaco-Since day 1 he has poured out all that he had to the program, not EVER expecting anything in return.  He has magically but not unrealistically, turned marginal student athletes into "people" that they never thought they could be.   In essence, it is not about the "sport" in the person but the "character" in the person that prevails in the end.  Coach Cavaco is the one true person that believes, "without a doubt" that dreams can come true. It is a gift that only someone that has been through what he has been through to believe the way he does and care the way he does, into the next generation. I can only "hope" that I will be able to give back the way Coach has…and continues to do. God bless you.

Coach Blythe-There are two people that have probably seen the worse in me when it came to coaching.  She is one of them. Thank you so much for putting up with me and really giving yourself to our team. Thank you for seeing past the immaturity and allowing yourself to come into an unruly situation with some really stubborn people (eh-em....that would be "me"). It has definitely made me more "mindful" of things when I too, come across the same characters & situations.

To the teachers throughout my high school years-I know that I was not the best student, yet I understand now how important the principals are which you folks have tried to embed into us throughout the years. It always, unfortunately, takes time and experience before we realize the true meaning behind a lot of things that school gives us to carry on our lives with an (at most times) uncompromising world. Discipline, work ethics, and perseverance are the main things that I wish I could have come out stronger in from high school. Learning the hard way might just be my forte…haha, but through God's grace, it is coming to pass & fortunately I was able to learn quickly in college.

To the students at Aiea High School, I really hope that you ENJOY these four (or less) years of high school. Right now you may be going through some things that may seem overwhelming, impossible, and unbearable…but believe me, others have gone before you (and I speak of your teachers, elders, parents, supervisors, etc.). They truly care. Before any emotions hit you of hate, anger, disgust, unfairness, etc. Sit back and evaluate yourself. Throughout this time of being in Guam, I can say I've learned a thing or two. Life is not going to be easy, but you will and can get better at dealing with it. Never lose hope, never give up on yourself, and never give up on each other.

Much love & Aloha!!!!

Ashley
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Blessings

Ashley M. Watanabe
General Manager
Taco Del Mar-Guam
671-483-5070