Balancing motherhood, community service, and personal goals

Saipan is home to many remarkable individuals, and among them is Michelle Melchor Olita, who describes herself as a devoted mother of six and a mother to the community. At 41 years old, Michelle’s journey as a mother is intertwined with her active involvement in serving others as well.

Besides taking care of her kids, she’s passionate about promoting health and wellness. Michelle spends her free time organizing activities to help people stay healthy, like exercise classes. She believes it’s important to help everyone, no matter their financial status. So, she volunteers to fight common health problems like diabetes and cancer.

As a licensed fitness instructor, Michelle leads free Zumba classes, making them accessible not only to the Saipan community but also to Tinian. Her commitment to promoting health and wellness extends beyond her role as a fitness instructor; Michelle is also a co-founder of Xtreme Fitness 670, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a healthier community through physical activity.

According to Michelle, “Due to the increasing numbers of citizens here in the CNMI who are suffering from diabetes, cancer, and other health issues, I believe that proper and regular exercise can be beneficial.”

“Every weekday, free Zumba classes are held at the Saipan Mayor’s Office parking lot, (a) part of Mayor [Ramon Basa] RB Camacho’s initiative to promote health and wellness,” she adds. On weekends, Michelle also leads classes on Tinian as part of the Anti-Tobacco Wellness program. She holds licenses in Zumba Basic, Zumba Kids and Kids Jr., Zumba Gold (for ages 50 and above), Zumba Gold Toning, Zumba Toning, Zumba Steps, Aqua Zumba, Circle Mobility, and Zumba Plate.

In addition to her community involvement, Michelle is actively engaged in the Saipan Beacon Lions Club, further demonstrating her dedication to service and giving back.

When asked about motherhood, Michelle expresses deep gratitude for the privilege and responsibility it entails. For her, being a mother means providing unconditional love, making endless sacrifices, and offering unwavering support to her children. Witnessing her children grow into strong, compassionate individuals gives her joy and fulfillment.

Balancing the demands of motherhood with personal goals and aspirations is no small feat, but Michelle navigates this challenge with resilience and determination. She prioritizes her children’s needs while also making time for herself to pursue her passions and dreams. By involving her children in her activities and ensuring she practices self-care, Michelle strives to achieve a harmonious balance that benefits both her family and herself. “As a mother, it was a challenge to balance the responsibilities of raising children while also being actively involved in community service and running a non-profit organization. By seeking support from my family, friends, and community members, I was able to overcome this challenge. By managing my responsibilities more efficiently, I was able to do so by delegating tasks, prioritizing effectively, and taking care of myself,” said Michelle.

When asked about what legacy she hopes to pass on to her children, Michelle emphasizes the values of compassion, empathy, service, and resilience. By instilling these values in her children, she believes they will make positive contributions to society and strive to make the world a better place. “I want them to understand the importance of kindness, helping others, pursuing their dreams with determination, and treating everyone with respect. Instilling these values into them will help me shape them into individuals who have a positive impact on the world around them,” she said.

To new mothers or mothers-to-be, Michelle also offers words of wisdom:

“My advice for new mothers or mothers-to-be is to take the journey of motherhood with patience and love, seek support when necessary, and rely on your intuition. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. Take time to cherish the moments with your children and embrace the journey of motherhood with patience and love.”