Even folks who have been here for years, and those who are born and raised here even, do so as well. The distinction is that we do not mind so much if they do because we know them or are quite familiar with them and do not mind putting up with their idiosyncrasies.
For instance, when I first came out to the islands, I thought I was smarter than the “average Joe” just because Guam was small and had a small population.
That is the natural tendency of anyone who comes from a large metropolitan area with skyscrapers and other tall buildings because how could anyone be advanced in today’s society if they live in one-story structures (or worse) or so the thinking goes.
Over time, I began to realize that the average Joe, as it is put commonly, is capable of not only living off the land and the ocean that surrounds the island (something I am quite feeble at), but is also capable of matching my intellectual prowess, or its limits thereof.
The same stigma that Guam has because of its size also extends to the colleges that Guam has not just from folks who are new here but even those who have been raised here so much so that they send their kids off-island for higher education, technical or otherwise.
For example, I wished back in the day — and still do — that the University of Guam would improve not only its emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses but also its offerings on the Harvard classics, and ensure that they are mandatory reading for all incoming freshmen.
When education becomes a true priority for elected officials, from K-12 and beyond, then I think Guam’s graduates will speak for themselves as they would be able to help create the new products and services that this new world craves for.
Finally, the point must be made that whoever did the selling out of Guam, whether it is on the buildup or self-determination or any other major contentious issue of the day, the people of Guam must first take a closer look in the mirror. Just as in the states, where the “enemy” is often mislabeled.
MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam
