Keeping the family values

By Cassie Dlg Fejeran
Special to the Tribune

For a 20-year-old, Judy Marie DLG Torres has come a long way.

Keeping to what many might describe as a “family profession,” Judy continues to add highlights to her family’s already long list of achievements after being the fourth member of the clan to be accepted to Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Her older brothers Vincent, Joaquin, and Victor also studied law at the school and currently have a firm of their own on island.

Shortly after graduating this year from Boise State University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Torres returned to Saipan to visit the many relatives she left behind before furthering her education in the mainland. Unlike many, though, this young and enthusiastic graduate continues to lengthen her resume and is currently teaching a three-month English writing program to Korean students, ages 8-15 years, at the Northern Marianas College.

The youngest and only girl in her family, Torres explained during an interview that the family values she grew up with and the many positive examples shown by her parents Vicente and Primitiva and her brothers—Vince, Troy, Jack, Victor, and Ralph—opened up many windows of opportunities for her.

“My mama is my inspiration, because she is such a beautiful person. She has the biggest heart, because she taught me so much on how to forgive and to be a good person, how to appreciate things that come into your life, and how to value and share them,” she said. “I really look up to my brothers too; they set a really good example.”

Soon after her three older brothers left for law school, Judy, referred to as the “princess of the family,” found herself with much to fill in terms of assisting mom and dad. However, she and her brother Ralph welcomed the many new responsibilities offered them.

Even at a young age, Judy showed signs of maturity and, despite a busy schedule, still managed to go out of her way to touch other people’s lives. For six years she served as a lector at the Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Boise, and also volunteered at an old age center in the city. Her many volunteer work benefited residents of Boise as she also provided services for the St. Alphonsus Hospital and the Boise Samaritan village.

While studying at BSU, Torres was also president of the Island Rhythms dance group, which was set up by members of her family in hopes of promoting and sharing the various cultures in Micronesia. She was also a tutor at several elementary schools, treasurer of the National Society Collegiate Scholars, chair for a student essay contest, founder of the student alumni association, writer for Women Making Her Story publication of the Idaho Statesman, senator for the student government, chair for the special events committee, and the director of diversity affairs for the student government.

She was also a member of the awards committee, the student board of conduct, the Martin Luther King celebration planning committee, the cultural center advisory board search committee, the cultural center coordinator, and the cultural and ethnic diversity board.

Torres attended Timberline High School, where she was involved in the Business Professionals of America, Teens Restoring Earth’s Environment, Spanish Club, and the National Honor Society, among others.

Needless to say, her countless extracurricular activities did not hamper her academic efforts, as she also graduated with honors.

Torres will be leaving for Thomas Cooley Law School beginning spring semester. She plans on returning to Saipan to work with her brothers in their law firm, Torres Brothers Attorneys-at-Law.

“Of course I plan on coming back to the island. My long-term goal is to work with my brothers,” said Torres. “This was something that has been a goal of the family and I decided to join them.”