ESTORIAN-MAMI
Compiled by the NMC Humanities Club
Estorian-Mami, our story, is a student-led campaign aimed at empowering and uplifting voices by allowing Proas to share their story.
In celebration of the NMC Class of 2024, we asked NMC alumni to reflect on their life after college and share some advice to our graduates.
Here are those stories:
Life has changed in numerous ways since getting a college degree. First, career opportunities, growth, and advancement: meeting qualifications and skills in my chosen field has opened doors to promotions and/or leadership roles, as well as opportunities to acquire new knowledge and experiences. Second, financial stability and independence: investing in my education and earning my degree has helped me secure a job to provide for myself and my family, on top of that, opportunities to pursue my passion and start my business, travel, and fulfill many goals in life! Lastly, building strong relationships and connections throughout my educational and professional years, has provided valuable networking opportunities that have helped me become more confident in furthering my education and my expertise in my chosen field.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, here are some words of advice: Embrace uncertainty: Life after graduation may not follow a linear path. Be open to new opportunities and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, the world is constantly evolving, and so should you. Never stop learning: through education or work experiences, grow your skills and talent by making a positive impact around you, pursue activities that ignite your passion! Stay true to yourself and your values, enjoy the adventure filled with ups and downs and use those moments as opportunities for growth and resilience. You have the power to achieve your dreams and overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes your way! Lastly, remember to always prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Congratulations again, NMC Class of 2024! Best wishes for a bright and fulfilling future!
- Class of 2016
Since obtaining my degree, my career journey was definitely enhanced as I was linked to various opportunities that have shaped the pathway for me.
As graduates of the Criminal Justice Program, you are embarking on a path that has a whole lot to do with shaping the society as we know it presently. There is no doubt that you all can achieve what we see as unattainable because the world is really yours fellow graduates, period. Never underestimate the potential you hold and embrace all the opportunities that come your way as there will always be room for learning. Congratulations Class of 2024! Go Proas!
- Class of 2019
My life has changed drastically--and for the better. I have always wanted to help my community, and getting a college degree has expanded my opportunities to achieve that goal. I am able to make an impact on a larger scale, share my knowledge and skills with others, and educate students across the CNMI while supporting them in their learning journey.
To the NMC Class of 2024, congratulations on achieving such an important milestone in your educational journey! My words of advice are to thank your support system. You should definitely be proud of your achievements, but remember that you didn't get here alone. Thank the people who have helped you even in the smallest ways, the people you have vented to about all the things, and the people who never gave up on you. Whether it’s your parents, a significant other, a sibling, your teachers, or even that classmate that shared you their notes when you were absent from class. Show them gratitude and let them know you appreciate them! Even a little thank you goes a long way.
- Class of 2016
Getting a college degree has paved the way for continued growth and achievement. They have helped to build my capacity and prepare me for the field that I am in now. I specifically chose my degrees with consideration of the agency and career path that I wanted to see myself on after graduation. Because of this, I am content with my current workplace, our mission and projects.
Congratulations!! You have made it through those long years and you should be proud of yourself! Celebrate, take some time off, and go on a vacation. If you are not sure which job you want, do internships or volunteer work with the organization to get a feel of what working with them might be like. If you already know where you want to work, and have secured a position with them, remember why you wanted to be there in the first place and let that be your motivation to get up and go into the office every morning.
- Class of 2015
Special shoutout to Alumni Association President Roman Tudela for your assistance in collecting these responses.