VOX POPULI: 1st batch of Million Dollar scholars graduate

We asked 2020 college graduates who are the first batch of students from the Million Dollar $cholarship program of Kagman High School what they studied off-island and what inspired them to take that course. Here’s what they have to say:

Josepha Cabrera

“I decided to pursue a degree in Economics because I wanted to better understand behavior and decision-making supported by quantitative evidence. …I hope to use economic tools for the analysis of public policy and public health-related issues. I would like to thank my parents, Emma and Manuel Cabrera, my high school mentors, Mr. Gerard VanGils and Mr. Peter Aldan, and my college advisors, Dr. Pablo Hernandez and Dr. Casimir Dadak.”
—Josepha Cabrera, 22, BA in Economics and Business with a finance concentration, Hollins University, Papago

Lily Jean Bautista

“I’ve always been passionate about education. Many people, especially my village, knows that about me. It truly ‘takes a village to raise a child.’ Growing up, I’ve had many life-changing encounters with educators that I’ll soon be lucky enough to work with and create life-changing experiences of my own. Our culture thrives on giving back to our family, friends, community, islands—and obtaining this degree assures me that I’m now equipped to do just that. Special thanks to my mother and father, Rosie and Louie Bautista, Louie Dean (brother), Suzilyn (niece), Cassey Babauta and Karen Laoyan (fellow MD$ members), USU Aggie family, former students (practicum teaching experiences), extended family and friends.”
—Lilly Jean Bautista, 21, BS in Elementary Education with emphasis in American Sign Language, Utah State University, Kagman

Richelle Castro

“My inspiration comes from a long line of professors from Dixie State University. I was always interested in Criminal Justice but after hearing stories from my professors who were also retired Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, police officers, and even lawyers, it inspired me even more with the experience that they had.”
—Richelle Castro, 22, BS in Criminal Justice, Dixie State University, As Matuis

Elizabeth Basa

“A teacher’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. I want to take part in shaping the next generation and give back to the community that raised me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey, but most especially my parents, Patrick and Valerie Camacho, and my sisters, Veora and Ursalyn.”
—Elizabeth Basa, 21, BS in Multidisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education with an English for Speakers of Other Languages concentration, San Roque

Jessa Camacho

“I have always been interested in technology and I wanted to learn more about cybersecurity. I was also interested in it because I saw a lack of females in the Information Technology sector and I wanted to challenge myself in a male-dominated field.”
—Jessa Camacho, 21, BS in Information Technology (Cybersecurity) and minor in Digital Forensics, Central Washington University, San Roque

Allison Arellano

“I decided to pursue this degree because of my interest in this field. I find leadership is something that’s needed in many aspects. With the specialization that I chose, I was able to attain skills through that field to further help me in the job that I want to do in the future, which is to work at a university institute and advise and help minority students complete higher education. I look forward to furthering my studies by getting a master’s degree in Communication. I would like to thank my parents, Julie and Arnold Arellano.”
—Allison Arellano, 22, BS in Communication Studies with an Emphasis in Applied Leadership, Dixie State University, San Roque

Viron Tenorio

“I was majoring in Medical Laboratory Science, but I was not enjoying it and found it too difficult. I was recommended to take a digital forensics class in Criminal Justice department and things just clicked. It was easy, and more interesting to me.”
—Viron Tenorio, 22, Criminal Justice emphasis in Digital Forensics, Dixie State University, Kagman