Challenges to his successes: The story of Zaji Zajradhara

Zaji Zajradhara

It was not always smooth sailing but Zaji overcame the obstacles he faced to get him to where he is today and shares his story below:

“The challenge is well worth the rewards but my story is a bit different.

“I arrived on Saipan from the bustling metropolis of western Tokyo. Needless to say, I was surprised not only at the beauty of this island but also the limited employment choices. For a few months, I was unemployed and met Mr. Walter Macaranas who told me about the Workforce Investment Agency and that’s where my journey began.

“Upon registering and testing at WIA, I was given occupational choices and I chose medical. Aside from the CPT courses, WIA included me in a variety of remedial and career classes.”

Zaji intends to use his CPT credentials to pursue “missionary work in either India or Africa for a year “but I could as well utilize the national certification right here.”

Despite Zaji’s struggles, he continues to strive to pursue other dreams. He aspires to also become a disc jockey on a local radio and be “the first Afro-Latino-Seminole American boat captain ever to achieve his license in the CNMI.”

Zaji attributes his accomplishments to individuals mentioned below that has helped him along the way: “To my beautiful daughter Zhajida-Yemaya, my son Nagi, my family in the mainland, Mayor Donald Flores, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Blackburn, Jaydee, EJ, Queen Mother Warrior Felicidad Ogumoro, Nikita Cabrera, Rob and Nancy Russel, Dr. Jeffrey Richards, John, “da math whiz-kid” Raulerson, Todd Price, Brian Todd, Shellie O’Neal, Cher Lynn Ray, Rita Pelisamen, ‘my momma away from home’ Carmen Kaipat, Joe Hill, John Joyner, Chemere McField, Matt Meyers , K. Church, Vlad Melnik, Michael Dilley Bam-bam, EJ, Frankie Cepeda, Big Frank, Jenpy, Shenna and Victor Flores, Fe at GMTC, Richard and Bunjing Cano, Don Clyburn, Lil Donna, Leroy, Summer, Vivian Sablan, the outstanding staff at DOL-WIA and if I’ve forgotten anyone, always know that you’re in my thoughts. Thanks for your direction and local guidance. You can do whatever it is that you put yourself/will to.”

On behalf of the entire Department of Labor, we congratulate Zaji on his accomplishment and wish him all the best in all of his future endeavors. (DOL)