What was your first job?

Saipan Tribune staff asked community member what their first jobs were as the CNMI celebrates Labor Day. Below are their responses.

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I started working when I was in high school. My first office job was when I came back from college and worked in the Department of Lands and Natural Resources as a marketing specialist for Agriculture and Fisheries development.

I learned, through my first job, that island communities are resilient. Struggles are relative. Every governor, every year, every government entity has challenges, but we continue to roll up our sleeves and take on the challenges and problems and continue to keep going.

—Gov. Arnold I. Palacios

I got my first job when I was 18 years old, when I joined the military. I spent 20 years in the military before I retired. In my years as a service member, I learned many things.

My time in the military taught me many things, especially what it takes to be a leader. Aside from that, there are many other things you learn in the military especially in my time in Vietnam. I’ll never forget.

However, today’s world is very different from back then. It’s more high-tech and you have to continue to adapt.

—Lt. Gov. David Apatang

In high school, I worked at the Capitol Hill post office for my dad. My salary was about $10 a week. My schedule was after school and half day on Saturday.

Then I worked at Joeten Enterprises for 2 years doing about everything that needed to be done. Not sure how much I was earning.

In NYC, while finishing high school, I worked at a chain grocery store. Also worked at fashion garment delivering new clothes to modeling agency.

I then worked for about 36-38 year operating Herman’s Bakery except for years I was in the CNMI Legislature (4th, 5th, and 6th Senate for a total of six years)

After I left Senate, I started many businesses including the American Express local representative, general representative for Western Union,a security guard agency, construction, travel agency, and a few other companies.

In the last three years, decided to help out a friend to do construction rehabilitation works on Rota. I have been doing projects on Rota for PSS, RHC, Judiciary, Valentino hHtel, and building and rehab houses for the CDBG program, and many private houses.

I also opened Island A Heart with my wife Eva.

—Juan Pan Guerrero

My journey from a 17-year-old distribution technician at Pan Jin Garment Factory to a CNMI island coordinator for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and a contractor for a science, engineering, and technology company in the U.S. mainland is a testament to what dedication and work ethic can achieve.

On Labor Day, I now reflect on my humble beginnings at the garment factory, where my team was responsible for managing the distribution of materials and finished products. This role, though entry-level, taught me the value of discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork—skills that would later become the foundation of my career.

As the years passed, my ambition drove me to seek opportunities for growth. I pursued further education and took on various roles within different organizations, each one building on the last. My hard work and perseverance paid off, from program manager positions to director, to being a CNMI island coordinator for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

I also balance a part-time role as a contractor for Lynker, a Maryland-based company focused on environmental solutions. This position allows me to apply my expertise on a broader scale, contributing to projects that have a positive impact both locally and internationally.

—Floyd Masga

I first worked at Hopwood Junior High School in 1981 at $14,000 a year and two weeks off during the summer when school was out. I taught general science and P.E. I then moved to MHS in 1984 and started teaching social studies, P.E., and health class.

—James Feger

My first job was a science teacher at Cha Cha Oceanview Junior High School here on Saipan. I taught middle school science to 8th graders.

I am currently an employee of the federal government helping to better lives of the people in our community.

—Mike Mercado

My first culinary job was as a kitchen helper at Guernica’s, a Spanish-themed restaurant in Makati, Philippines during the late 1980s. During my time there, I was washing dishes, helping around in the kitchen, and working with the chefs. During my time there, I was paid 106 Philippine pesos per day, or around $2 now.

As of 2019, I’ve been working at Pacific Islands Club Saipan as a chef de cuisine. I closely collaborate with Jun Evangelista, our current executive sous chef, and work with multiple departments and help/oversee daily culinary operations.

—William Retardo

My first job was in Jollibee New Farmers Plaza, Philippines at the age of 18 as an all-around crew. I now work at the CHCC H.O.M.E. Visiting Program as a community health outreach worker.

—Rowena Coloma

I graduated in 2006 with Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the age of 21, and started working at Rusty Lopez Enterprises, Inc. as accounting staff. I now work as an accountant at the Northern Marianas College.

—Maureen Claveria

I was a waitress in a small Japanese restaurant, Yakitori Glad, Honolulu, Hawaii and ended up staying there for five years while working two other jobs throughout college. I have been with PSS Mental Health for the past four years.

—Antonette Labausa

This is my first job here at Shell and I’m currently a customer service agent. We try to show hospitality to the community. I’ve been working since January of this year, and I actually really like it because it made me open up more. I was kind of shy before but thanks to Shell, it made me open up and I got to know more people and I’m really appreciative of the opportunity. To the younger ones looking for a job, just go out there and try. You never know until you try. Just put yourself out there.

—Frankie Jess Ramon

My very first job was as a receptionist at Pacific Coast To Coast in 1993. I established my own mobile notary business through three counties in California, which opened the door to become a mortgage loan officer for Mortgage Solutions, PNC Mortgage, Travis Credit Union, and Investors Solution from June 2005 to July 2020. During my time in the States, around 2019, I also began my home-based business in California, Designer Wreath & Co, and through this I would create custom-made Christmas wreaths and because I love the spirit of Christmas and i love crafting. I wouldn’t make profit from it, only charging for the materials. It’s something that I’m passionate about, which is why since I’ve been on island I have made over 100 custom wreaths for families. My most recent endeavor is helping found an organization focused on preserving our islands language, music, and heritage. I currently am the president of Save The Music Foundation-CNMI, and our goal and mission benefits all our youth and our community through music education, preserving our language, our culture and our heritage.

—Arlene Reyes

My first job was in 2009, working at DFS before it became T Galleria, I was a promoter for the fragrance department, after a couple of months or so, was transferred to the warehouse department for them, overall working at DFS for about five years. After that I was moved to the hospital under the Department of Public Health’s Noncommunicable Disease program, and was also a part of Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. In 2016, I joined DFEMS, and I’ve been with them for about eight years. Experience-wise, it’s been amazing, especially with the position I am in now. I get to take part of everything. Structure fires, vehicle fires, wildland fires, searching for missing persons, and HAZMAT situations, it’s been really challenging and educational.

Along with being in DFEMS, I am also a service member in the United States Army Reserves, 100 Battalion 442nd Infantry Regiment Echo Company, been in since 2011. I feel that being in the military also helped me be more prepared for the mental and physical aspect of DFEMS. As for advice to others, I would say, to always keep learning and exploring your passion. There’s always something you can learn and pass on.

—Robert Mojica

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