Kevin Maratita with wife Joy and daughter Jelshie Pangelinan.
IN a remarkable display of shared determination, Kevin Maratita, his wife Joy Maritita and daughter Jelshie Pangelinan are pursuing their educational aspirations side by side at Northern Marianas College.
“It’s wonderful that my husband, daughter, and I can all participate in classes and study together,” Joy said. “Being able to learn as a family serves as a fantastic source of motivation for each of us as we navigate through our educational journeys.”
Joy is a Liberal Arts major with an emphasis on Social Work, and is a work-study student under the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at NMC. Driven by a deep passion for community service, her academic goals extend toward attaining a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services.
Joy’s story is a testament to the fact that age holds no barriers to further education as she has resumed her studies after a 25-year gap. She is on track to graduate with an AA degree in May 2024.
Joy described her educational career as fulfilling. “Returning to school alongside my spouse and daughter for college courses is a remarkable journey that highlights lifelong learning, diverse perspectives, and family support,” she said.
“This experience not only challenges stereotypes but also showcases the motivation to excel, the triumph over challenges, and the positive impact on relationships. My family’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that education knows no age limits and can be a transformative journey of growth and empowerment,” she added.
Her daughter Jelshie is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in Education with a concentration in Rehabilitation and Human Services. She said she has a passion for providing a listening ear and open arms to her friends coping with mental challenges in high school.
“This is what I want to do with my life, with my career; be a counselor. I loved the thought that I was that person all my friends came to for advice and guidance; not just guidance academically but in life as a whole,” Jelshie said. “I imagine the number of lives anyone can save by just listening.”
Jelshie said she is grateful to her parents for their support and the sacrifices they make. “Both my mom and stepdad work, and it gives me the blessing that I don’t have to worry about an occupation, at the moment.”
“I really want to emphasize that this is a blessing for me. Not all students have the chance to focus solely on school,” she added.
She said her mother pursuing a degree at NMC was a big motivation for her. “I was actually thinking of taking a gap-year right after graduating from high school, but seeing her so determined and committed made me go straight into it,” Jelshie said.
A police sergeant of the Department of Public Safety, Kevin is pursuing an associate of science degree in Criminal Justice at NMC. He is a military veteran, and was deployed twice to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2008.
“I had always wanted to continue my college education and get my degree, so after much discussion with friends and family, I’ve decided to continue and challenge myself to get that degree and go even further,” he said.
Kevin said his family is a significant source of support for him as he pursues a degree.
“Having family members attend NMC is something that I find motivating, and one advantage of having family members all at NMC is teamwork,” he said. “I believe that with teamwork, nothing is impossible.”
