The family that studies together…

Three members of a local family on island are taking pride in pursuing higher education simultaneously at the local community college.

Couple Clarice Arriola and Dolores Leon Guerrero, together with their daughter RosRee Ann, have become an unwitting inspiration to the community for their dedication and commitment to achieving their goals in life.

Father Clarice, 46, is currently pursuing majors in business and computer applications while mother Dolores is taking nursing and liberal courses—both at the Northern Marianas College.

Next month, the proud parents will march with daughter RosRee Ann when she graduates with an associate degree in liberal arts.

Saipan Tribune learned that two other daughters in the family are also attending college programs abroad, one of whom is an NMC alumna.

Clarice, who is a full-time student taking 16 full credit units, says having the support of his family members is quite comforting when challenging situations come up and they are there to help one another.

By going back to school, he believes he can fulfill his dreams and shape them into reality.

“Our economic success is dependent on the qualification and technical know-how of its citizens…and going back to school is the first step to that reality,” he told Saipan Tribune.

He said he decided to pursue higher education to gain the technical credentials and prepare himself to meet future demands for qualified skilled labor in the rapidly advancing technology sector.

The 46-year-old father said it feels great going back to school with the “younger generation.”

“It makes me feel younger too. I really enjoy attending school with my wife and daughter. We support each other both in financial and academic needs. Each of us is a member of a support group where one fills in what becomes void in our daily livelihood,” he said.

He admits that college routine affects his family life but all for a positive change:

“College life is an experience that has definitely changed the composition and perspective in our family’s daily life. …It’s challenging and also rewarding because you know that the sacrifice is worth the effort when it is all done and over with the homework, tests, quizzes, projects and presentations. Yes, it affected my family life in the sense that I am more calculated in my daily schedules and I am required to share my free time with them and tend to the needs of the family support group,” Clarice said.

The father, aware of the “fruits” he will reap someday, encouraged everybody to further their education so they could achieve their fullest potential. He said attending NMC or schools abroad will enhance one’s skill base and personal qualifications to meet future demands for management positions in the private sector, government, or in the pursuit of higher educational goals.

“If you can imagine it….you can achieve it,” Clarice said.

‘Never too late’

Dolores Leon Guerrero says going back to classes was never too late for her.

“I had some credits from the past and I thought that it would be nice to finish it. My husband and I decided to go for it, plus it’s never too late to attend college,” she said.

For this mother of three, college feels a little bit like high school but with higher expectations.

Attending college with her husband and daughter, the 44-year-old mother admitted being secure in that they learned to help one another and could share views and opinions on a variety of issues.

She wants to inspire those in the community to fulfill their dreams and goals by taking the first step: education.

Twenty-year-old RosRee Ann told Saipan Tribune that she’s truly proud of her parents.

“Having both of them enroll as college students makes me feel very proud. It’s nice to see my parents furthering their education. They are doing good…and achieving their goals, Go Mom and Dad!” she said.

The graduating liberal art student said going to college has resulted in some changes in their family dynamics but these are all “good and positive” changes.