Benjamin, Reyes take spotlight at NMC graduation

The Northern Marianas College has named Nicole Deleon Guerrero Benjamin and Jan Michael Macaraeg Reyes as its recipients for the Academic Excellence Award among the AA graduation candidates. These two are graduating with the highest grade point average among all associate degree graduates of the Northern Marianas College Class of 2009. They will be graduating on Saturday, May 23.

[B]Saipan Tribune: What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Nicole:[/B] I plan on pursuing my bachelor’s degree in either business or accounting, while continuing in my current job.
[B] Jan Michael:[/B] Well, I still plan to continue my education and work toward a master’s degree or a doctorate in Education, as well as some minors here and there.

[B]ST: What are your sources of inspiration? How did they inspire you?

Nicole:[/B] My brothers and sisters. I work hard not only to make them proud, but so that they can put just as much effort in all they do. They inspire me to inspire them.
[B] Jan Michael:[/B] My main sources of inspiration come from my family, who’s been very supportive throughout my whole life; my girlfriend Sharisse Rivera, who’s been telling me to do my best and to stop overreacting when it comes to final’s week; and most importantly my high school teachers: Mr. James E. Phillips, Dr. Algier, Capt. Torres, as well as Mr. McPhetres, Mr. Keaton and all my co-workers (Leo, Chrislaine, Ms. Zen, Lulu, Jenen, Patrick, Serena, Kayla, Mia, and Dina) at the Counseling Office (Building I). The experiences they all shared, shaped me into who I am today.
[B] ST: What have been your most difficult educational challenges and how did you overcome them?

Nicole:[/B] The most difficult part for me was trying to balance being a full-time student, while holding a full-time job. It took me a while to realize that in order to balance the two, I also have to throw in some time for myself and my family. That’s how I overcame that challenge—and kept my sanity, too!

[B]Jan Michael:[/B] A difficult challenge that I had to overcome was time management. I had to balance my time at work, and the amount of time I needed to put in for my studies.

[B]ST: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your studies?

Nicole:[/B] DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.
[B] Jan Michael:[/B] You are in charge of your outcomes based on what you do, whether they’d be good or bad.
[B] ST: What’s been your most difficult class? Favorite class?

Nicole:[/B] My most difficult but most favorite class would probably be Intro to Business. It was difficult because it demanded a lot of time outside of the classroom, but it was also my most favorite because it showed me how rewarding teamwork can be.

[B]Jan Michael:[/B] I would have to say that CH 124 was quite a difficult class, not because of the content, but because of how the instructor, Dr. Elena, managed it. She didn’t spoon-fed us or “handed out” grades; she allowed us to work for our grade. And this, to me, is one of the most important things that a person must realize—that they are solely responsible for their actions. As for my favorite class, well, I would have to say that I have none, because I enjoyed the challenges in each class that I’ve taken. Through this, I was able to enjoy them more.

[B]ST: What advice would you give students who are just starting off their college studies?

Nicole: [/B] In all that you do, never give anything other than your best.
[B] Jan Michael:[/B] To all the students starting their college studies, just keep aiming higher, always do your best, and don’t try to look for the easy way out.

[B]ST: Would you recommend that other students start at NMC?

Nicole:[/B] Yes.
[B] Jan Michael:[/B] Yes, I would recommend NMC to other students. It provides a valuable stepping stone to college, and allows them to feel the responsibility one must take upon themselves if they want to further their education.