Tania David, left, the manager of Bank of Guam’s Garapan branch, is a graduate of Northern Marianas College’s School of Business.
(NMC) — Among the many Northern Marianas College graduates contributing toward our local workforce, there is one journey that stands out as a shining example of resilience and dedication.
Tania David, the manager of Bank of Guam’s Garapan branch in Saipan, received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the NMC School of Business in May 2023.
Equipped with banking knowledge and experience by working with the Bank of Guam for 21 years, David decided to return to NMC in 2018, jumping straight back into her bachelor’s program. However, the effects of Super Typhoon Yutu delayed day-to-day activities, making it difficult to keep up with work, home, and school life.
“When I finally found some stable ground and kept a slow and steady pace each semester, the world got hit with the pandemic and all the shutdowns, restrictions, and closures that came along with it.” David said.
However, during the time of drawbacks and uncertainty, David found an advantage in the online sessions enacted due to Covid pandemic. She said that this allowed her to save time and attend classes from work and home.
“NMC was a great fit for me because it allowed me to achieve a higher education in business management, which aligned and enhanced my career, the banking industry, while staying home on my island, and saving me money from travel, costs of living elsewhere, and tuition,” David said.
Additionally, the support of her manager and husband pushed her to complete her degree program.
Among the many challenges that David faced throughout her educational journey, she stated that the most painful was the passing of her father in August 2022, and her father-in-law in March 2023.
Dr. Bobbie Hunter, interim director and associate professor of NMC’s School of Business, was impressed by David’s exceptional ability to balance a full-time job, receive support from her family, and excel in her academic pursuits. Despite her busy schedule, David maintained a strong commitment to her studies and effectively managed her responsibilities.
When David encountered a pivotal moment in her education — faced with the choice between continuing her studies or taking a break to heal from personal losses in her family — she courageously chose to honor her father’s and father-in-law’s memory by continuing her educational journey. This decision, supported by her family, demonstrated remarkable dedication and strength as she excelled in her studies.
She also took charge of fundraising events for her class and remained positive and determined despite facing personal challenges. Her ability to navigate these obstacles with grace and determination is truly admirable.
For students looking to pursue the same career and field as her, David said they should be grateful for both the good and bad experiences, as there is a lot to be learned from them. She also emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself and the people around you, along with enjoying the journey.
“Find a mentor that will challenge you, but also respect you. Sometimes it’s hard to tell between the two, but when someone truly cares about you, and your future, they will not hold back in pushing you to be the best version of yourself,” said David.
Today, she oversees a staff of 20 employees as Bank of Guam’s Garapan branch manager. The branch’s daily operations consist of providing services such as customer service and care, online banking assistance for consumer and commercial customers, wire transfer, new accounts, loans (consumer, commercial, and mortgage), deposits, withdrawals, and other banking related services/activities such as ATM maintenance, merchant services, and community related activities.
