Upward Bound students selected to prestigious summer program

Three aspiring and ambitious Upward Bound students—Marianas High School junior Cherry Lou Rojo, Kagman High School freshman Koniko Desirae Nakazato, Rota High School sophomore Bianca Hope Mendiola—were selected to attend the Math & Science Summer Program at Monterey Peninsula College.

The 2005 summer program will be held from June 25, 2005 to July 25, 2005. The four-week summer program is offered in a residential setting on the beautiful campus of the University of California at Santa Cruz.

Participants will experience living in a college environment, immersed in a math and science study program with other participants who have goals similar to theirs. In addition, they will enroll in courses in marine biology, mathematics, communication (oral and written), and college orientation and personal development. They will also participate in laboratory and field activities that emphasize skill development in note taking, quantification, observation, and description, graphing, independent and group research, experimental techniques, and oral reporting. Workshops, guest speakers, counseling, and enrichment activities will be conducted to enhance learning.

Rojo is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Romeo Rojo of San Jose, Saipan. She has a cat named Chuki, which she likes to cuddle when she is stressed out from school and other external factors. To find stress relief, Rojo likes to read books such as Harry Potter, works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the Princess Diary collection.

When asked how does she feel of being selected to participate this year’s Monterey Peninsula College Math & Science Summer Program, she replied, “I was surprised since there were other Upward Bound students who applied for this program and we were all selected from CNMI Upward Bound. This is the second time that I applied for this summer program.”

Rojo expects to meet different people and learn many things relating to math and science during MPC UBMS Summer Program. “I hope I develop my skills as a future scientist and explore different fields of science that can accommodate all of my interests.”

Rojo plans to pursue a career in medicine specializing in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. “I want to help the people of CNMI be fit and healthy.” During her spare time, Rojo plays bowling, tennis, and volleyball. In addition to Upward Bound Program, Rojo still finds time to be a member of other clubs: Japanese, Filipino, Junior Statesman of America, National Forensic League and CLOSE UP at Marianas High School.

Nakazato is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Takehide Nakazato of Kagman III. Nakazato is proud of her Chamorro and Japanese heritage and that she has an extended family to raise her since both of her parents are working parents. Her mom, Leona, is an inspiration throughout her life, who makes a lasting impression of who Nakazato will become. My mom is my “hero.” For her extracurricular activities, Nakazato joined JROTC for a semester at Kagman High School, currently a member of its Business Club and the UBSA Student Representative from Kagman High School.

Nakazato plans to major in Forensic Pathology in college and hopefully make a lifetime career as a Pathologist. When asked about being selected to attend Monterey Peninsula College Summer Upward Bound Program (MSUB), Nakazato replied, “It was unbelievable and for a young girl to go to the U.S. mainland since I never had gone farther than Guam. I thank the almighty for this opportunity and for this beautiful experience, which 1 will cherish with my peers and family. It was worth for all my hard work.”

Mendiola is the daughter of Mr. and Mr. Francisco Mendiola of Sinapalo, Rota. she has a sister, Brianna, in the program. She compares herself to her sister, as the baby sister. During her spare time, Mendiola enjoys reading, especially the Harry Potter series, Stephen King novels, and presently on the second part of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In addition to reading, Mendiola listens to island music and spends time with her friends. Mendiola is a member of her high school Red Cross Club and past member of her school’s JROTC.

When asked about the great news, Mendiola replied, “I was planning to run as a candidate for the July 4th, but when I found out about my acceptance to this summer program, I opted for this challenge. At first, I was worried I won’t be accepted, but finding out that I was selected for this program gave me greater confidence. I’m extremely happy and proud of myself. After the program, Mendiola hopes that this experience will help her in the future. “I’m just trying to take every opportunity that comes my way and being in this program is one great opportunity”.

Mendiola wants to pursue a career in law and understands that mathematics and science are essential in understanding the dynamics of law in general in addition to critical thinking. “I plan to go to college and get into a law school which hopefully I can help my people in the CNMI, especially Rota”.

Rojo, Nakazato, and Mendiola are participants of the Northern Marianas College Upward Bound Program, a federally funded TRIO program, tasked to motivate disadvantaged high school students to pursue a college education. (PR)