Tianna B. Villagomez and her family members pose for a photo after the Northern Marianas College graduation ceremony on Friday.
Tianna B. Villagomez and her partner, Klein Lizama, at the MHS gym on Friday.
INSPIRED by one of her teachers in her elementary school years, Tianna Borja Villagomez has now become an inspiration to others.
Villagomez graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in Elementary Education from Northern Marianas College at the age of 22. She finished high school in her junior year by taking extra courses throughout the summer.
She said it was her fourth-grade teacher who inspired her by being always there for her as she coped with the struggles she was going through.
“I wanted to be that kind of teacher who inspires others when they’re going through so much, and I want to make a difference with my own students, and inspire them too,” Villagomez said.
At NMC’s School of Education, she said her instructors and mentor teachers could relate to her own struggles in life, making her feel she wasn’t alone.
She is also grateful to her family and partner, Klein Lizama. “He’s been there with me since the beginning. Everything I set my mind to, he was always there. He and my family continue to be very supportive as I climb the ladder of success, ” Villagomez said.
Without her family and her partner, she said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today. I believe that behind every successful person, is a great support system that contributes to their success.”
Now while waiting for a job interview with the Public School System, Villagomez plans to obtain a master’s degree through an online program of the Western Governors University based in Utah.
Villagomez said she is ready to inspire students, the way her elementary teacher inspired her more than a decade ago.
“I am certain that this is my calling,” she added.
“I want to inspire my students. I want to teach them that the sky is not the limit and although there are always bumpy roads ahead, at the end of those bumpy roads is a great level of success,” she said. “Throughout any journey you set your mind to, there will always be rainy days ahead, but remember, at the end of every rainy day, is a beautiful rainbow.”
Villagomez, who is the secretary of a non-profit organization, Lip Gloss Foundation, said she also wants to become a role model to her nieces, nephews, godchildren, her little brother and everyone out there in the community who might be going through the same struggles she has gone through.
She wants them to know that if she can do it, they can do it, too.
Villagomez would also like to thank her wonderful parents, Tina and Herbit Villagomez, her other family members, and most especially NMC’s SOE faculty and staff for being a part of her journey to success. “My journey doesn’t end here, this is only just the beginning,” she added.
Lip Gloss Foundation Chief Executive Officer Maryann Borja-Arriola said on behalf of the group’s board of directors, “We want to wish a heartiest congratulations to Secretary Tianna on completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Education.”
“You’ve worked hard to get here. Remember to stay true to yourself as one chapter ends and the next begins. Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on. We are all so proud of you!” Borja said.
