The sudden shift from her dream of becoming a lawyer began when she worked for special education as a full-time teacher’s assistant at Oleai Elementary School from 2003 to 2005.
“There was something extra special and encouraging to me, that resonated from the students I worked with in special education,” former 2001 Miss CNMI World Tracy Lynn Duenas Del Rosario recalled. Instead of pursuing a law profession, Tracy focused on getting a Master’s Degree in Education and plans to obtain her doctoral degree.
“I plan to return home sometime next year,” Tracy said. “I plan to work for a few years, then depart again to pursue a Ph.D. (or doctorate) in either Curriculum Planning or Education Policy,” said Tracy.
Tracy was raised by parents who are devoted Catholics. Her father, Herbert, is the president of the San Antonio Pastoral Council and director of the NMC archives, and her mother, Rose, is a social worker at the Office of Attorney’s General.
From their rearing, she understood how important it was to follow and achieve something meaningful and satisfactory.
To be successful, she always makes God first among others. “My inspirations are first and foremost, God and my passion in working with children,” she said.
Now a holder of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education, a state-approved teacher education program (SATEP) certification, which she obtained along with becoming a certified classroom teacher in Hawaii and at least 40 other states, Tracy remains unassuming in her ways.
In 2008, she graduated Magma Cum Laude for her bachelor’s degree at the Chaminade University of Honolulu and recently received her Master of Education degree during the 52nd Commencement earlier this month.
Tracy said her parents, of whom she is proud, regardless of the fact that they have not earned college degrees due to limited opportunities in their youth, have been her “greatest supporters and encouragers.”
“She is a constant achiever,” her father said, while eagerly waiting with family, friends and relatives who were sporting welcome banners and leis for Tracy as she arrived at the Francisco C. Ada International Airport earlier this month.
“She’s very committed and dedicated,” her father said.
He said her daughter spent the Christmas holiday with them and will soon go back to further her studies. “I’ve been encouraging her to practice her profession here.”
Tracy added that her current job in Honolulu as an academic advisor will help pave her way to selecting a doctoral program.
Like any other true achiever, Tracy has had some challenges during her studies.
While working for special education as a full-time teacher’s assistant at Oleai Elementary School during the day, she also attended classes at night for her Associated Arts Degree at Northern Marianas College.
She considers her biggest challenge to have been when she has made big decisions without any guidance from her parents. “I felt as if I was betraying them if I had to decide on something without confiding in them right away, and this is because I have such an open communication with my parents and siblings. I discuss anything and everything with them on a daily basis, even while in Hawaii.”
But Tracy said she able to overcome this by calling her parents directly after making such decisions. “Being supportive parents, they simply reminded me that these are things that I will simply have to take responsibility for, should I make any wrong decisions in life. After all, we learn from our mistakes. Therefore, there is always a second time around, or at least, a chance to begin again.”
While people may not notice her educational achievements at first glance, they certainly notice her natural beauty.
“To be honest, I am such an introvert that it is a little difficult to notice if people admire me for my beauty,” she smiled.
Tracy said that she has instead often received compliments from classmates, professors, colleagues, co-workers, and friends regarding her academics and work ethics as an academic advisor.
“The question I always get is, ‘How do you do it?’ ” I simply answer by lowering my head a little, and at the same time responding with, ‘Beauty is skin deep, true beauty lies within your heart, a humble heart it is—one that loves God and my family above all,’ ” she said.
As a product of the Public School System, her achievements should be something PSS should be proud of, as many students turn to her for inspiration.
For Tracy, education is very important. She wants every child to get an education because this is “your ticket to success.”
And by obtaining an education, she said, a person will be respected professionally in whatever he or she will do. “It is never too late or too early to get an education. Knowledge really is power!” she said.
She also has this message to students—to honor God and their parents. “Your greatest support and blessings come mainly from God and your parents.”
“Always think positive and strive to give your best each day! You just do not know if it will be your last day, therefore live like there is no tomorrow by giving your best in all that you do,” said Tracy.
“Lastly, humble yourself! A humble life will help you appreciate your surroundings, and will constantly remind you why you are doing what you’re doing in life, and it is to serve a purpose,” she said.
Tracy’s sister Tricia also finished a Bachelor of Science in Education and is currently teaching at Koblerville Elementary School. Her other sister, Dorsha Quintol, is the librarian at Saipan Southern High School, where her sister Trianna also studies. Her brother John Peter finished an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at NMC while her other brother Herbert Jr. also studies at SSHS.
