Yesterday, the name, "Wesley William Mills," echoed through St. Ignatius Church to signal my graduation from the University of San Francisco.
It was so important for me to hear my full name announced aloud, because of what my middle name means to me. I don't normally talk about my dad, but for those who don't know, I lost my dad during my junior year of high school. With my middle name being my father's name, there was no better way to honor my dad on the day he should've seen his youngest son graduate from college.
When I received my diploma from USF President, Father Fitzgerald, I pointed to the sky and said, "Thank you." That was for all those years that I was lucky enough to spend with my dad. I couldn't have asked for better parents, honestly. They never pressured me into doing anything, they just encouraged me to do what made me happy, and here I stand as a college graduate, and I've never been more thankful.
There are so many people that deserve a thank you from me. It's impossible to name them all because so many contributed to the journey. I need to start with my twitter followers.
For all these years, you guys have put up with my antics of bickering banter, teenage growing pains, and unpopular opinions. I've met so many great people through the medium of twitter, I even met the love of my life. Sure, there's been some dumb things that have happened on twitter, and I wouldn't change any of it for where I am now with the best support group I ever could've asked for.
You guys have always supported me in a way that's so humbling, it's been so remarkable.
To my Jesuit family at the University of San Francisco, thank you for that acceptance letter 4 years ago. To be honest, the University of Alabama (Roll Tide, y'all) had wooed my heart after I had visited Tuscaloosa during the application process, but I knew that USF was the right place for me, I even turned down an acceptance from Saint Mary's who was my mom's first choice. And boy, was I right. I've met so many amazing people that I will forever have a bond with as USF Dons. Seeing all my fellow classmates express such joy was something that I'll never forget for the rest of my life.
I also have to thank my coworkers at 95.7 The Game, they've allowed me to pursue my degree and provide valuable experience that I couldn't have dreamed of when I was a senior in high school.
Now I'm a college graduate and the future is so exciting while the same time being a little frightening.
I don't want to be that guy who acts important just because I have a degree, I just want to be that guy who sticks to his principles and has a reputation for being someone with integrity. Hopefully, I've been that guy over the years, because that's what's most important to me.
Today, I felt this post was necessary because I couldn't have done it without all of your support. And I truly mean it. It's been a ride.
All I have left to say is "Thank you."
