Setting goals and striving to meet them

One thing for sure, to find success, one must first seek.

That is the case for 22-year-old Melissa Atalig, a student at University of Iowa who is determined to pursue her goals, and has expressed her desire to put in the effort necessary to attain her dreams.

Born and raised in Iowa with family and cultural ties to the Mariana Islands, Atalig found interest in politics as well as law, and has set her mind on graduating this school year with majors in Political Science and Latin American Studies.

“I have always had a strong interest in politics, especially the politics of Latin America, more specifically U.S.-Latin American relations,” she said. “Politics surrounds us and our daily lives, which is why it is important to me to be able to understand the system.”

This is why Atalig, who was recognized just this fall by the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society and National Dean’s List plans to extend her studies after graduation, seeking to study abroad in Costa Rica next summer.

She has also expressed her desire to attend a paralegal program soon after.

“I am very excited to take my education and skills to the next level and to be part of a program that pushes me to reach my full potential,” she said.

Prior to college life, Atalig was a student at Garner-Hayfield High School, where she was a member of the school’s National Honor Society, was class president in all four years, and received recognition in Who’s Who Among High School Students twice.

The daughter of Dionicio and Burdene Atalig, Melissa also places much emphasis on being physically fit, and outside the world of academics, she has taken part in various road races and triathlons, intramural basketball and softball, and is a member of the university’s women’s rugby team.

In high school, Atalig took pride in balancing her academics with sports, finding success in volleyball, basketball, cross country and track and field, and softball. She managed to work her way to competing at State-competition level in both cross country and track and field, earning 1st team all-conference and runner of the year awards. She was also captain of her basketball team.

Upon graduation, she received the Distinguished Athlete Award from the U.S. Marine Corps and the Presidential Fitness and Excellence Award, to go along with her academic awards.

“All the honors and awards…I am very grateful and thankful for,” she said.

Further, Atalig has put in many hours volunteering for the United Action for Youth, which interacts and works with youth through street outreach programs. She is also a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy in Iowa City.

Atalig lives with her sister Angie, a parole officer for the Department of Corrections. Her sister, Steph, currently lives in Seattle and works as a dental assistant. “I enjoy spending time with my sisters.”

She credits her parents for her success, citing that their devotion and support enabled her to continue in her pursuit.

“I would have to say my parents, Dionicio and Burdene, have been my biggest inspiration in my pursuit for success,” she said. “They have given me the drive and determination to do well and give 110 percent in all that I do. Most importantly though, they have given me the unconditional love and support that I have needed to succeed all of these years.”

Dionicio is currently an electrical line foreman and Burdene a social worker.