By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

WHEN she received a phone call from the University of Guam’s Career Development Office instructing her to show up for an interview at the SPPC building in Upper Tumon, Amanda Kate Santos got all perked up.
“I thought I got a job offer,” recalls Santos, who graduated from UOG in December last year, holding a B.A. degree in finance and economics.
Dressed for success, Santos walked into the interview room, bearing the go-getter’s attitude and confidence. There, she found a whole panel of interviewers, and only then was she informed that it was an interview for the Student Employee of the Year Award.
It may not be the job interview that she had hoped for, but it was an event that equipped her with another credential as she gears up for her foray into the corporate world.
Santos astounded the five-member selection committee with her brilliance, candor and ambition, hence beating the nine other student-employees nominated for the Student Employee of the Year Award.
“This is a great honor to have. I’m grateful to the university for giving us, students, the opportunity to work while we continue to get our education,” Santos said upon receiving her award during a ceremony at the UOG Business Center on April 11.
The annual recognition, which follows the guidelines set by the National and Western Association Student Employment Administration, is part of UOG’s initiative to honor the efforts of student-employees participating in the work-study program. UOG employs 300 students under the program.
Career development officer Leah Beth Naholowaa said Santos will represent UOG at the national level competition in San Diego in October.
Santos, who describes herself as “creative, goal-oriented, motivated and coordinated,” worked as extension associate at UOG’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. While juggling her time between work and classes, she managed to maintain an outstanding academic performance.
“Ms. Santos has the potential and ability to continue to be an excellent employee. She has the writing and analytical skills to become an effective manager and the ability to become a consummate professional,” Dr. James Sellman stated in his nomination letter.
Getting the second place for the award is Ana Salas, who works at the UOG Financial Aid Office, while Jennyne Guzman, who works in the same office, ranked third.
Other nominees were Eunie Perez, Mary Anna Carlos, Analyn Canles, Mayline Iwetchong, Renalyn Imasa, Maria and Gem Cordero.
Sen. Frank Blas Jr. addressed the winners and nominees after presenting them with legislative resolutions. “You all won. Your victories come from your desire and willingness to pursue your education while working your way through it,” he said.