I am a Chamorro-Refalawasch, from the island of Saipan, a tiny rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean appearing only as a dot on the world map, still barely known to the world and seemingly lacking the American dream of opportunities. Saipan is the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth in political union with the United States of America which has a greater degree of autonomy guaranteeing it the right to self-governance. This was the dream of our forefathers when they, on our behalf, negotiated the Covenant with the United States of America 33 years ago. While it exercises its right to self-governance, it has yet to reach a self-sustaining level as envisioned by our forefathers. Our economy is driven by external factors further impacted by a limited internal labor pool. This heavy reliance on an external labor force, the tourism industry, and foreign investors somehow continues to lack a vision for building a community of professionals with business acumen. Very minimal, if none at all, attention is given to promoting the development of local business professionals — a critical component of a vibrant and self-sustaining economy.
My dream has always been to become a successful businesswoman, but more importantly, I share the dream of our forefathers. Despite the lack of advance degree programs, my thirst for knowledge resulted in obtaining multiple associate degrees on various concentrations under the field of business administration available at our one and only community college. This was all done while waiting for institutions like Argosy University to afford us advance educational opportunities in the field of business.
I cannot tell you how excited I was when I saw the advertisement for Argosy University in our local paper. “Finally” I thought to myself, “the opportunity is here.” Thirteen years had passed and surprisingly I had not given up hope. I could not abandon my dream. It was 13 years later and I am now financially stable, it was time. That is not to say that I did not take advantage of all scholarships available to help finance my education. I worked diligently to maintain my GPA to secure scholarship awards, incentives awards, and even competed for two of Argosy’s scholarship grants for which I am a recipient of both.
What drove this island girl from a tiny rock in the Pacific Ocean? Besides my thirst for knowledge and desire for professional advancement, it was the realization that I, with no more than a dream, could carry forth the vision of our forefathers. While it may be true that we are but a dot on the globe, and that the American dream sometimes seems too far for our grasp, it is also true that nothing can happen unless there is first a dream. This is true for all of us who have pursued higher education and for the loved ones who journeyed with us — our families. This may be graduation day, but it is just the beginning of what I endeavor to accomplish in life.
The path that leads to furthering my education was certainly a challenging one. It is one that I took on as a full-time student with a 40-hour workweek, an eight-year-old daughter, and a busy life of a politician’s wife that demanded I spread myself thin. The economic crisis, the soaring cost of fuel, and the ridiculously high cost of living in our remote region did not make things easier. The challenge I faced with a political force to remove me from my only job was yet another storm weathered along my journey. Imagine the ecstatic feeling of accomplishment when I completed my field of study as I reminisced on the turbulent road I traveled during my educational voyage.
I share these experiences with you as evidence of how true it is of the old saying that, “nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” The passion and conviction to succeed in this complex world is proof positive of one’s personal will and commitment to excel and rise above all obstacles regardless of the level and nature of complexity. I dreamed of being a part of the force that would realize the vision of our forefathers for the Northern Mariana Islands. I have always dreamed of becoming a successful businesswoman. The desire to realize these dreams are apparent in the long and arduous journey I pursued to get to where I am standing today. While I realize that this is only the beginning, I take comfort in the fact that it is a step closer to fulfilling my dreams. All of us here today are a step closer to achieving our goals in life. I encourage and challenge every one of us to continue pursuing our personal objectives in life. I challenge every one of us to embrace being apart of the constant changes in our lives taking care of carrying on the torch through the path our forefathers carried and paved for all of us. When times are hard, remember the path you took to get here today.
I will seize this opportunity to thank my daughter Isa for being so understanding and patient about the lack of attention during my course of studies and for challenging me to measure up to your academic achievements. To my husband, Senate President Pete P. Reyes, I truly appreciate your sincere demonstration of support. My husband, who occasionally threatened to file spousal neglect, in fact for the entire year stayed up with me through the wee hours of the night offering his support and providing reassurance. To my mom, Mercedes Sakisat Palacios, who took on the daunting task of running my household while I attend to my education, I sincerely thank you for taking care of me and my family. To my best friend, Congresswoman Rosemond B. Santos, thank you for the motivation to succeed. I also wish to acknowledge and thank a dear friend of the family, Mr. Gary Sword, who traveled from American Samoa to attend the ceremony today. To the many friends and families who played a role in my motivation to succeed, thank you for all the support and encouragement.
To the family of Argosy University, thank you for extending the online program to Saipan and affording us the opportunity to finally further our education in the field of business. You have a solid team on board to campaign for the success of your institution in the Northern Mariana Islands. Dr. Lisa Parker, Todd Nashiwa, Kristen Conners, Mary Cheung, and Carlos Taitano are just a few of the cadre that worked diligently to ensure the successful completion of our degree program. You could not have a better group of people working for you.
I would be remised if I do not take this opportunity to acknowledge Argosy’s most persistent nagger, Pamela Peralta, that absolutely refused to take no for an answer. She is responsible for my official enrollment into Argosy University. “Finally,” I thought. “No more phone calls and emails from Pam.” How wrong I was. The calls and e-mails continued until I officially registered and was given online access to begin classes in two days. Imagine the panic spasm of having to make a sudden adjustment to my lifestyle in order to accommodate the scheduling of my classes. It was hectic and I hollered for help because I was totally unprepared and unsuspecting of the sudden demand for reprioritizing my lifestyle. But with the help of your very capable team, I quickly transitioned to being a full-time student in addition to all my other full-time statuses. Thank you, Pam, you are awesome and an asset to the institution.
To my fellow graduates, Congratulations and I wish you all success in your life’s journey.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase, Ghilissow, and Mahalo!
GLENNA S. PALACIOS-REYES
Argosy University
The writer was chosen among the entire graduating class to deliver the graduation address — ed.
