‘An Evening with TTT’ highlights students

Tasi to Table hosted “An Evening with TTT” event last Dec. 1 at Aqua Resort Club. Photo shows a group photo of the non-profit members that attended the occasion led by TTT president Gene Weaver, center. (MARK RABAGO)

For high school students Leilani Attao and Nathan Buelong, joining Tasi to Table’s six-month program was a life-changing experience that made them more aware of fisheries and the ocean environment.

Speaking at the “An Evening with TTT” event last Dec. 1 at the Aqua Resort Club, Attao said her biggest thrill being part of TTT’s six-month student program was when they were tasked to run one of the non-profit’s fishing derbies. 

“We learned about different types of fishing, microplastics, our environment, and fish in general. But when we had to set up our own derby, things started to become interesting,” said the president of the TTT club at Marianas High School.

Attao said the entire derby experience taught them about getting on time early in the morning to greet students who they’ve met through the program and learning more about them as they went through the derby together. 

“I also didn’t just get to meet the students but I also got to meet the fishermen on the boat. It was a fun experience because I got to learn more about fishing and why so many people go out early in the morning because fish doesn’t wait on you.” 

The ultimate prize awaited her when it was time to pack up things after the derby.

“And what I love the most after every fishing trip was that I got to bring my own fish home and go to eat and share it with my family and tell them about the experiences and that’s why I joined Tasi to Table to begin with,” she said. 

For Nathan Buelong, Daok Academy TTT club president and class comedian, joining the six-month program was monumental.

“Joining Tasi to Table was the greatest decision I made this year because it gave me a lot of experience in fishing and educated me about the waters and the markets. I also just want to say thank you to our advisors and sponsors for making everything happen.”

TTT president Gene Weaver said the experiences shared by Otto and Buelong is exactly why TTT exists. 

“Tasi to Table is here to serve these kids… what more could you ask for? A lot of these kids have never been on a boat and have never caught fish and their testimonies show we provide that opportunity to these students.” 

He also gave kudos to the companies and government agencies that donated their resources to make TTT and its programs successful. 

“Without your support, contributions, donations, Tasi to Table wouldn’t be here today. So again, thank you so much and I want to be the first to wish you happy holidays,” he said. 

TTT vice president Dan Wallock seconded Weaver when he said “it’s the whole village that makes Tasi to Table happen.” 

For her part, TTT officer manager Marita Iglecias said after a brief pause because of COVID-19 their six-month student program is back and currently has over 120 students, including those from Tinian and Rota.

She said enrolling in the program is invaluable as students who complete the two-year program receive an elective credit if they accomplish 120 hours. 

“We also provide career pathways as we partner with Westpac and we showcase scholarships that are being offered by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Western Pacific Maritime Academy, which is Sea Connects.” 

Tasi to Table is a non-profit corporation registered in the CNMI. Established in July of 2020, TTT engages the youth with teachings on fishing methodologies, boating safety, environment protection, and safeguarding as well as mental health of its youth.