Thanking My College Counselor Aliw Pablo: Hi, Jan. Jan Valerio: Hello. Aliw Pablo: Can you believe it? You finally made it on the Making Changes podcast. Jan Valerio:  I know.  (singing) Some people wait a lifetime for moments like this. Aliw Pablo: I didn't know there was a singing contest on the podcast. Jan Valerio:  That's why they won't ever let me man a podcast. But now that I have the chance I'm going to sing. Aliw Pablo: This is Jan, a senior producer here at INC Media. And today, she’s gonna thank someone who she hasn’t seen in nearly 20 years. Aliw Pablo: Yes, do whatever you like. So tell us who are we talking to today? Jan Valerio:  Today we’re talking to Sheldon TaKwata, who I like to call Mr. T. He was my college guidance counselor. And he was the one who helped me dream myself out of Kalihi. A small town in Hawaii. I never thought I was gonna leave the islands. Aliw Pablo: From INC Media Audio, this is Making Changes, a podcast about the changes we go through and the life lessons we learn along the way…always with God by our side. I’m your host, Aliw Garcia Pablo.  Welcome to season2!  Whether you’re listening to this while driving, working out or walking the dog, we’re so glad you’re choosing to spend your time with us!  So we’re starting this season with a “Thank you Series”  – it’s basically surprise phone calls or video calls to people who have made a positive change in someone’s life, and it’s a chance to say thank you. And today it’s Jan’s turn, who was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and we’re calling her community college counselor  Mr. Sheldon Tawata, also from Hawaii. Aliw Pablo :Are you nervous about seeing him? When was the last time you saw him? Jan Valerio:  I know last time I saw him was when I left Kapiolani Community College.    But yeah, he helped me to reach my goals. Having the opportunity to say thank you to him. It's actually kind of exciting. Aliw Pablo: So in one sentence, How did Mr. T change your life, you think? Jan Valerio:  How did he change my life? He changed my life in a way where there were I could see opportunities. I  really started taking school seriously after I met him. Aliw Pablo: Okay, well, I think it's time let's, let's go ahead and see if Mr. T is online. Jan Valerio:  Okay, I hope he remembers me. It's been a long time. Aliw Pablo: All right. Let's see if Mr. T is on. Thanks, Jan. Jan Valerio:  Thank you. Thank you for making this happen, Making Changes podcast. Aliw Pablo: Hi, Sheldon. How are you?  Thank you so much, Sheldon, for agreeing to do this, you know? Sheldon Tawata: No, it's my pleasure. Oh my gosh. Aliw Pablo:  Yeah. Were you surprised though, that you get a random call about a former student from years and years ago? Sheldon Tawata: You know what you told me the year? I couldn't believe it was that long ago but it still, seems like yesterday, we're sitting in an office together trying to figure out her leaving Oahu. Which is mind blowing still.  think as you probably know, any youth leaving a href="https://incmedia.