On being a model for the islands’ youths

The speaker of the 11th CNMI Youth Congress and Marianas High School Model of the Year, Alana May Leon Guerrero, shares her thoughts and experiences on straddling two roles for Commonwealth youths. In her third term at the Youth Congress, Leon Guerrero believes that there is more to be done for the youth of CNMI. She is a junior at MHS and a member of the CJPA Youth Advisory Council. Alana is a proud daughter of Jose and Alicia Leon Guerrero.
[B] Question: How does it feel like to lead your fellow youth senators from the three islands and being a role model for all CNMI youths?

Answer:[/B] The feeling can become quite overwhelming but I am truly blessed and grateful for the many supporters and loved ones who continue to steer me in the right direction. When making decisions, I remind myself that I’m representing every youth in the Commonwealth and that I must always do the right thing.

[B]Q. What specific task at the Youth Congress challenges you the most? How about as a Model of the Year [at MHS]?

A.[/B] With the Youth Congress, the thing that challenges me the most is the fact that we’re strapped with the budget. There are many programs and activities that I’d like to implement but we’re not allowed with the current Youth Congress budget. I am grateful that my fellow colleagues understand this and they are willing to help find other ways to implement the programs or activities we want for the youth.

With MHS, working with the faculty and administration can be a challenge. I’ve tried many times to approach them about the many issues that can be addressed and resolved but time does not allow them to do so.

[B]Q. What important contributions have you already made for the youth of the CNMI?

A.[/B] I authored the recently passed Curfew Act. When you think about it, it may sound bad for the youth but I’m just thinking of the well-being and the safety of all the youth in the Commonwealth. Many individuals and youth are taken away because of delinquency and such. With enforcement of the act, it may resolve some of the crimes on island. Also, parents will finally take control of their children and know their whereabouts than to let them go wherever and whenever.

[B]Q. What legacy would you like to leave with the Youth Congress?

A.[/B] Like with every speaker I’ve served with, it’s not the legacy I’d like to leave behind…but knowing that we’ve fought together for the betterment of the youth in the Commonwealth. That will do justice for me. It’s knowing that in one way or another we’ve impacted one’s life or the youth community. This term, I am the only incumbent that made it in. So far, I believe that my colleagues and I are fighting the good fight, and that’s being the voice of the youth on the hill. It’s hard when a bunch of lawmakers look at us as “kids”; we’re “young adults” growing, adapting, and taking our place in this great Commonwealth.

[B]Q. What remarkable and memorable experience and lessons would you like to share with the community youth pertaining to your role at the Youth Congress and as an MHS model of the year?

A.[/B] Being elected as the 11th CNMI Youth Congress Speaker is the most remarkable and memorable experience ever. It’s knowing that I’ve received the confidence and trust from not only my colleagues but the youth community as a whole. It’s the fact that all who voted for me believed in me and trusts that I will make the right decision and continue to be the voice for the youth of the Commonwealth.

[B]Q. Message, recommendations, and plans for the betterment of CNMI youth?

A.[/B] I would like all the youth to take a chance and know and understand the Youth Congress and be the solution to the many youth problems that exist in the Commonwealth. Be an active member of your community. Trust me, it’s fun and educational at the same time. Be the voice you want heard on the hill. At the end of the day, you will be satisfied and content with the progress you’ve made and could continue doing. I know I have and I will continue to fight the everlasting fight, and that’s for the youth of the Commonwealth to be heard!