Rotary Club succeeds in its inaugural Student Program

Closing off the first Rotary Club of Saipan Student Program yesterday, the last four of nine student participants shared their experiences and thanks to the Rotary Club during the club’s weekly meeting last Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.

Sara Elizabeth Keaton, Jia Ross Nicado, Kelly Zheng, and Jayden Shin all shared that their experiences left them not only enlightened but encouraged.

Nicado, who is interested in law, told Rotarians that she learned so much from her mentor. “At the end of this interview I felt motivated to learn all that I can about law, and it ignited a stronger spark within me to give back to my community. After meeting with such amazing interviewers and having a fun time in their offices, I understood that anyone…has an opportunity to succeed and prepare for my upcoming future,” she said.

Shin shared his interest in engineering and said that in his interview with a Guam network provider, he was able to ask his questions and learn more. “I feel like I really learned a lot. It was a really cool program that I was just so thankful to be a part of it.”

Zheng, a junior at Marianas High School, told Rotarians that she used to have doubts about pursuing a career in computer engineering. “I’ve always questioned myself: ‘Do I really want to learn computer engineering and know what it is’ but…after yesterday’s interview, I can firmly say that computer engineering is what I want to pursue. To put it simply I learned and enjoyed and treasured this experience. “

Keaton, who is interested in filmmaking, said she felt honored to have Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Steve McCarthy as a mentor. “Our conversations not only covered the technical aspects of filmmaking but also highlighted the significance of resilience and determination in pursuing a career in this dynamic field. Steve’s mentorship has equipped me not only with technical knowledge but has also inspired me to approach storytelling with passion and perseverance,” she said

Rotarian John Arroyo, who was a key player in the Rotary Club of Saipan Student Program, said it was specially designed to pair career-driven students with professionals who are already living their career dreams.

“We set up interviews where the students are able to meet with the professionals who will become their mentors and ask them questions of their experience and any advice on anything that will prepare them…to get ready for whatever it is they need to do to, whatever challenges that are ahead of them in order to get to the position where their mentor is at,” Arroyo said.

The program was open to students ages 15-18.

Arroyo said this effort is part of the Rotary Club International’s endeavors, and he is very happy that they were able to begin the program here for the first time and do so successfully.

“Because it’s our first year in doing this, we didn’t want to bite off more than we can chew. We wanted to make sure that we kept it…small, so that if there were any kinks or anything that could potentially ruin the program, we would be able to work through with a small group. So we selected two schools to be our pilot schools: Marianas High School and Mount Carmel School. At the beginning of the school year, we met the school administrators and we introduced the program to them, and asked if they would be interested in promoting the program to their kids at school and both schools loved it. They thought it was great and wholeheartedly went for it,” Arroyo said, adding that the Rotary Club of Saipan would like to make the program yearly, and make it accessible to all schools on island.

Arroyo also noted that several mentors have also given him great feedback during the interviews, and that one of the beauties of the program was the lifelong relationships being established.

“Everybody, including all of the mentors, have agreed to remain in contact with their student, which is great and so when they need any help or advice, there’s these experts that are standing nearby,” he said.

He believes the Rotary Club of Saipan was able to accomplish what it wanted to accomplish with the program. “I think overall it was a great experience for the kids. Great exposure for them, and also for our mentors, especially the ones that are here. And that’s evident because mentors have agreed to remain in contact with the students that they have interviewed. …I think overall it was great opportunity and something that’s very beneficial to the island.”