Saiki, Rasa speak for graduating class

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Those are the famous words by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, in one of his books; Laura Saiki thought them powerful and apt enough that she quoted them during her speech at the graduation ceremony for the Northern Marianas College’s graduating class of 2004.

Saiki, who finished an associate degree in Liberal Arts, graduated with honors as summa cum laude. She spoke for the graduates receiving associate degrees.

In her speech, she said that the greatest lesson she has learned came from a Dr. Seuss kids book. She said she came to believe that college “is where you learn what you’re made of though you may start off unaware of what to become and how to go about it.”

Saiki also cited NMC’s instructors, conveying her appreciation to Bruce Johnson, Bill Bingham, Danny Wyatt, and Jim Holan.

Ending with another quote from Dr. Seuss, Saiki said, “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You are on your own and you know what you know, you are the guy who will decide where to go.”

She stressed: “Remember we have the world in our hands it’s just our decision of what to do with it.”

Michelle Sablan Rasa, who graduated with a bachelor of science in Elementary Education, obtained magna cum laude honors. She spoke on behalf of the graduating class receiving a baccalaureate degree.

“Not too long ago 137 people embarked on a journey that has led them here today,” said Rasa. Recognizing the many different reasons that students have to attend college, Rasa said that, if it weren’t for the people who have helped her throughout the years, her achievements would not have been possible.

Rasa extended her deepest gratitude to her family, friends, teachers, and fellow classmates for their support and motivation in her studies. Adding to her list Rasa said, “College would have been difficult without books so thanks to my sister Shana for finishing first and lending me all of hers.”

Rasa encouraged the graduates to look after the children, set a good example and act with integrity. “It matters not what you choose to do. Be a teacher, a legislature or a garbage collector, but that you do it in a manner that models the values and expectations you desire for future generations,” said Rasa.

Besides these two, another student stood out among the graduates: Renae Villegas, who finished with three degrees—international business, accounting, and liberal arts.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Edward C. Camacho, who was the guest speaker, congratulated the graduating class for a job well done. “I am deeply touched and very honored to join this wonderful team of educators, to witness this beautiful commencement exercise, and speak before this wonderful group of graduates,” said Camacho.

He encouraged the new graduates to get involved in programs that would benefit the community and challenged them to continue their education.

Ending his speech, Camacho adds, “I beg you to partner up with others and seek each other’s help in order to take our Commonwealth strongly into the 21st century. And maybe next year, we can do two things: raise the bar on literacy and be healthy, so we can all take part in the Tagaman Triathlon.” (Cassie Fejeran)