Ana S. Teregeyo inspires Hopwood students

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Hopwood Junior High School invited several inspirational women of the CNMI to speak to their students about their trials and accomplishments. Invited speakers were Margaret Villagomez, Sen. Maria T. Pangelinan, former congresswoman Malua T. Peter, Dr. Norma S. Ada, and Ana S. Teregeyo, District Office administrator for the Honorable Pedro A. Tenorio, Resident Representative to the United States.

In front of a packed cafeteria of about 150 students, Teregeyo introduced herself by describing her humble beginnings. Born and raised on Saipan along with 11 siblings, Teregeyo had to postpone her formal education in order to help out her mother and father with family obligations.

She started as a clerk during the Trust Territory times and soon afterwards, was entrusted to direct the art department. Working to support her family did not prevent Teregeyo from realizing her dream of the education she had to place on hold. She worked on obtaining her GED and studied through extensive extension programs from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, University of Guam, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specializing in personnel management and administration.

Her passion for challenges and the ability to help others had helped encourage her to run for the House of Representatives from Precinct 1, serving four consecutive terms. The former congresswoman then found herself appointed to work at the Women’s Affairs Office as director. Following her stint at Women’s Affairs, she was approached by Resident Representative Tenorio who offered her the administrative post at his District Office on Saipan. Teregeyo has been the District Office Administrator for four years, contributing a total of over 40 years of public service.

Curious to know how Teregeyo began her life in politics, the students asked a series of questions that lead to the same answer—her love for challenges and the ability to help others. She also wanted to prove that politics was not the cliché everyone thought it to be—“a dirty game,” but that it was a politician himself that dirtied the game. The students also wanted to know who inspired her and helped her through the tough times. Without hesitation, she mentioned that it was due to the unconditional love and devotion provided by her husband Joaquin Teregeyo and their six children that kept her strong. Being the youngest girl of seven surviving siblings, her inspiration also came from her brothers, most especially her father. They helped make her “tough” and instilled a sense of determination that helped her project her plans as congresswoman when she was the only female lawmaker.

Teregeyo ended her presentation with sound and proven advice: “Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to beat all odds. With hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, anything is possible.” (PR)