‘Being governor is no picnic’

Seventeen-year-old Marianas High School student James Sison said being governor of the CNMI is one tough job.

Sison was one of 180 youth in the CNMI who participated in this year’s Youth Takeover Day at different government agencies and private firms in the CNMI yesterday.

Sison said he enjoyed his stint at the Governor’s Office. “I had a blast!” he said during a brief reception ceremony held at the Office of the Governor in Capitol Hill. As governor for one day, he had to sit in on two meetings in the morning and the afternoon.

Sison said the morning meeting was just an update about the status of the CNMI power situation. In the afternoon, he only attended a briefing but was able to witness the passing of three bills.

He added that he now understands the job of the governor, especially when faced with criticisms from all angles.

Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente’s counterpart was Charis Lopez from Grace Christian Academy. He praised the lieutenant governor’s work ethic.

“Now I have someone to look up to,” he said.

Lopez thanked the official for the opportunity given him yesterday. Benavente, for his part, said he was impressed with Lopez. “It’s about time that the youth learn what we do up here,” he said.

Another MHS student, Vannerie Deleon Guerrero, played Saipan mayor for a day and said the job of Mayor Juan B. Tudela is not all about signing paperwork all day.

“I understand that a mayor’s job is much more than that. It is really a hard job,” she said.

Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio also presented his counterpart, GCA’s Rafferty Dris, during the reception. Tenorio said that he had the biggest counterpart for this year’s takeover, referring to the size and height of Dris.

MHS student Kelvin Rodeo, who took over as Deputy Special Assistant for Administration at the Governor’s Office, said he had fun at work but what he enjoyed the most was when the governor took all of them to the Kingfisher Golf Links for lunch.

Rachael Reyes said being at the Governor’s Office exposed her to how urgent requests for funding must be handled.

Fifteen-year-old MHS student Victoria Sablan said she enjoyed her takeover of one of the reporters’ jobs at the Saipan Tribune. Sablan said she is now considering becoming a journalist. She said she enjoyed experiencing the job firsthand and that she would recommend all of the youth to join next year’s youth takeover.

“It would help you figure out what you want to do in life,” she said.

Shayna Kileleman said she enjoyed the youth takeover because it brought them into the field, away from schoolwork, at least for a day.

The Office of the Special Assistant for Youth Affairs led by Florence Kirby, organized the one-day event. Benavente acknowledged Kirby making the event happen.

Kirby said she was very satisfied with the turnout of the event.

“It turned out to be great despite the last minute backing out of some schools,” she said.

She said the number of students who actually participated slightly exceeded last year’s figures. She said she is now looking forward to the next Youth Takeover Day.