GRADUATION marks a significant milestone in every student’s life. This occasion is celebrating the ending of one chapter and the opening of another. Some of you may now be entering the workforce, some may start their own business, and some may be going to college to pursue further education.
Jesus Sablan and YuriHana Sasamoto, co-directors of CNMIforCollege 2024 or C4C and college students themselves, share their insights on starting their college journey in a recent interview with Variety.
Sablan and Sasamoto earned their high school diplomas last year from Saipan International School and Mount Carmel School, respectively. As they both graduated top of their class, they are no stranger to overwhelming feelings like what you might be feeling right now.
When asked about a memorable experience in high school, they expressed how daunting but also exciting the college application process was.
“While there are many experiences in high school that we have recollected that shaped our four years, a truly momentous and dynamic time of year was when we had to apply for college,” Sasamoto reminisced.
Sablan echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the toll that the application process can take on students. “Maintaining your academic work and drafting numerous essays can take a heavy toll on students, which we recognize as having gone through this process.” he remarked, acknowledging the stress and anxiety that often accompany this milestone.
Their commitment to easing this burden led them to establish CNMIforCollege or C4C, a platform designed to offer support and guidance to fellow students navigating the college admissions maze.
“[We want] to offer students a chance to hear our tips and strategies for improving their applications and lessen the stress that applying for college can inflict,” Sablan explained.
Sablan and Sasamoto are incoming sophomore students at Columbia University in New York City, a bustling metropolis 5,800 miles away from the tranquility of the Northern Mariana Islands. Asked about the challenges they encountered as freshman students, Sablan, who is currently pursuing major in Political Science with a special concentration in Business Management, opened up about grappling with imposter syndrome and the pressures of forging new connections in an unfamiliar environment.
“The biggest challenge was grappling with imposter syndrome and the pressure to make friends,” he admitted, reflecting on the transition from the CNMI’s close-knit community to NYC’s urban jungle.
Sablan shared that he was able to overcome this by participating in academic clubs and actively socializing, giving him a sense of belonging, especially with his fellow co-director YuriHana Sasamoto.
For her part, Sasamoto revealed the challenge in acclimating to the rigorous college academics, especially in her chosen field as she works to earn a degree in Biomedical Engineering. “From the CNMI, where access to advanced STEM programs or engineering-related high school resources was limited, [I] faced a competitive curriculum that could easily intimidate and overwhelm students.”
“However, it’s important to refuse to let these challenges discourage or inhibit your success,” she added.
Despite these obstacles, Sablan and Sasamoto remained steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, drawing strength from their shared experiences and mutual support.
Their most important lesson? “Our most important lesson is that there are many more lessons to face and more obstacles to overcome,” Sablan mused, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity.
“Being able to morph changes coming your way into something positive is an action every individual should be willing to take,” he added.
Sablan and Sasamoto offer sage advice to incoming freshmen, urging them to stay true to themselves, forge meaningful connections, and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
They encourage students to build a support network from day one. “Start connecting with your peers on social media and reach out to your fellow future classmates.”
“Remember, everyone is going into college blindly and may be in the same situation as you,” they added, while also acknowledge the unique challenges each one may face.
As they continue to blaze trails at Columbia University, Sablan and Sasamoto remain steadfast in their commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, one invaluable lesson at a time.
“Your ambitions are yours to make tangible. And remember, never compare your journey or achievements to others. Your success is always enough, and it’s unique to you.”
