15 MCS graduates ‘Start Smart’ at NMC

A group of recent Mount Carmel School graduates have committed to attend Northern Marianas College starting this fall 2022.

The MCS graduates who will soon be joining the NMC family are Alyson Red Velarde Camacho, Michael Canice Litulumar Camacho, Jimin Kwon, David Rui Li, Francel Lumanlan, Christopher Adam L. Mafnas, Ariel Sumiishi Morales, Chelsea Taylor Palacios Olouachel, Kiana Lei Manglona Propst, Vidal Jose Borja Sablan, Haani Skylar Tomokane Seman, Margarita Leighanna Sanchez Terlaje, Jennalyn Rose Travilla, Kaia De Jesus Travilla, and Gayle Noreen Habaluyas Vidal

NMC is the CNMI’s first postsecondary institution and has conferred thousands of undergraduates who are active participants in the CNMI’s workforce and leaders in the local community. Through the college’s commitment to student learning, high-quality education, and affordable tuition, many of Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnights have chosen NMC as their starting point in their next academic journey.

Morales, who has expressed an interest in media and graphic design, said, “I chose NMC because I’m familiar with the campus, my community, and the environment. It is also convenient for me since I can gain a college degree after two years without having to pay out-of-state tuition.”

While undecided about her major, Travilla said, “ I chose NMC because I feel like it’s the smartest choice to make for me. I’m young and know I need more experience to have a better idea about what I want to pursue as a career; that’s why it made sense that I would stay on the island, gain more experience, and work with my [advisers] to have a clearer sense of what I want to do after earning my associate degree. ’Til then, I will be able to save money while still being near my family and some friends.”

Propst, who is an aspiring veterinarian, said that despite not having a specific major in veterinary medicine at NMC, they recognize that the college does offer pre-requisite courses they’ll need to fulfill in order to transfer to a university abroad.

“Starting here at NMC allows me to stay close to friends and family while I finish my pre-requisite courses in order to pursue further my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I believe that starting here will let me form the connections I need in order to return and help the animals here in the Marianas,” Propst said.

Set on the engineering field, Terlaje expressed her confidence in the college to fulfill her academic and career goals on the island.

“I chose NMC because I am confident in its capability to educate, guide its students and community to accomplishing their educational goals, and provide students with resources to afford their dream. It also helps that programs are being added such as an associate degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in pre-engineering, which is my field of interest. Additionally, I’ll be able to receive quality accredited education in the comfort of home,” Terlaje said.

Despite the impact of Super Typhoon Soudelor, Super Typhoon Yutu, and the COVID-19 pandemic, MCS continues to strengthen its college preparatory program in order to support its graduate’s academic and professional endeavors. In addition to rigorous academic programs, MCS prioritizes its student’s access to varying extra-curricular activities, apostolic programs, and community service opportunities.

For more information about Mount Carmel School and its college preparatory programs, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (PR)