Fighting for students’ interests at NMC

The president of the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College, Ivan Mereb, shares with Saipan Tribune his thoughts and views about serving the island’s students. In his last term in office, he vows to leave colleagues with a legacy of good leadership on campus.

Question: What is the most challenging role you play for NMC students as their leader?

Answer: There are many challenging responsibilities in being a student leader at NMC. One of these is ensuring that you maintain a high level of trust between the student body and the student government. I do this by regularly making myself available and approachable to all students.

Q: What fulfillment do you get in serving NMC students?

A: I get the satisfaction of knowing that I have been able to represent their interests well at all levels.

Q: How do you balance your time as a full time student and a busy student leader on campus?

A: Carefully.

Q: What are the greatest expectations of the college from you?

A: To honor my oath as ASNMC president, which mandates that I be a strong advocate for all NMC students.

Q: How does your role of being a leader help you as an individual?

A: Having served as a student leader has elevated my confidence, has helped me build cooperation among different people and groups, and has exposed me to many different aspects of governing effectively.

Q: What do you think are the important issues students at NMC face at present?

A: One of the most important issues facing the students, as well as everyone at NMC, is obtaining accreditation reaffirmation.

Q: How are you dealing with these issues?

A: We make sure that students are well represented in the different governance bodies at NMC. We also ensure that the student voice is heard during important discussions and dialogues that affect the college. We also help out in other college activities and community events to make sure that our student body is active in whatever effort needs to be done to get accreditation reaffirmed.

Q: What do you think are the characteristics a good and effective student leader must possess?

A: Any good leader must be committed, must be instilled with pride, and must act morally for the good of those who he or she leads and not for any personal gain.

Q: What legacy would you want to leave with your colleagues in the college?

A: I want to be remembered as someone who was passionate, outspoken, and someone who always fought for student interests.

Ivan Mereb, left, president of the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College, leads an activity organized by