Today I successfully defended my dissertation titled “Connectivity of coral reef fishes across three spatial scales”. This was the next major step on my pathway to receive my doctorate. I had great feedback from my committee and from members of the audience. Thanks to everyone that sent me their well wishes. So many people have been influential during my academic career as I went from community college in Sacramento, to San Francisco State University and finally to the University fo Hawaii at Manoa. It would be impossible to list everyone but know that I truly appreciate your support throughout the years.