Of course students need to take a little time to relieve some stress.

One way to relieve stress is going out. But how can one go out when they’re on a tight budget? Well I’m glad you asked because here are some ways you can have a good time without going broke.

One way, arguably the easiest way to do this is by having friends who have a little financial freedom.

Not to necessarily say you need to have rich friends, but friends who will at least help you to cover the bill is nice.

These friends are the ones who usually beg you to go out with them but it’s hard because your wallet is empty. So take advantage (not in a bad way) of those types of friends who offer to pay for you.

Another way to have fun without spending so much is to network with people. You never know who you might meet when you are out. You may come across some party animals that want you to join in on the fun so they offer to buy you a round or a shot of your favorite alcohol.

These types of people you won’t see often or you may never see them again.

So why not experience something new with new people that you’ll never see again? It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and live a little.

The third way, and probably the most boring way to go out on a budget is to just eat and drink at home.

You already spent the money to have what you need at your house so utilize what you already paid for so you’re not tempted to eat out or even drink at a bar. This is the literal definition of pre-gaming.

Side note: Don’t drink and drive ladies and gentlemen. Be sure to have a plan and execute accordingly.

All of these tactics may be easier said than done but hey, it’s worth a try.

You don’t have much to lose. So why not go out there and give it a shot?

The worst thing that they can say is no. So don’t let your limited bank account limit you from having a good time.

Go out there and have some fun, but within your means.

The post Ballin’ on a Budget appeared first on The Triton's Call.

Kyra Perez

Kyra Perez, a Communication student, won the Award of Excellence at the 2023 Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts on her micro documentary called “Kia.”

The BEA Festival is an international digital media and broadcast competition for faculty and students. The Festival typically receives over 1,500 entries every year from over 300 schools.

Perez’s win allowed for UOG to move from 79th to 69th place in the festival’s overall ranking, but the win did not stop there. Perez says that her award signifies that UOG students are just as talented as the rest of the nation in the film industry. 

“This award means that we’re just as capable as other schools in the nation. UOG is so separated from the rest of the nation’s colleges, so it’s difficult to feel comparable sometimes,” Perez said. 

“Kia” is a story about how paddling athlete, Kiara “Kia” Quichocho finds resiliency through battling meningitis, a disease caused from contaminated waters from training to represent Guam. 

Although this is not an award Perez was expecting, she says that the award has inspired her to submit more films into future film festivals, and that it has reaffirmed that she is on the right career track.

When asked about what was next for Perez, she explains what she sees herself doing in the near future.

“Filmmaking is a difficult career choice. I have many ideas, but finding the time and resources to carry them out is difficult. For now, I’ll focus on school and hopefully get a few more projects under my belt before graduating,” she said. 

Christian Gyles Ramos

Christian Gyles Ramos, a Business Administration student, received the 2023 Truman Scholarship award. 

UOG was established when Harry Truman was president, making this a living memorial for his contribution and support to the University. Ramos was dubbed the 20th UOG student to receive this $30,000 award to pursue his graduate studies. 

Out of 705 applicants from around the world, Ramos was one out of 62 that were selected to receive the scholarship. 

Ramos says this scholarship gives him the motivation to continue his graduate studies. “To know that I am able to represent Guam and the Triton spirit is one of my greatest and biggest honors,” he said.

Because the scholarship application was a rigorous process with essay questions and constant conferences with an advisor, Ramos says he did not expect to be one out of 62 applicants to receive the award.

“There were even times where I wanted to step down from the process, but my Truman advisor, Dr. Gena Rojas along with my friends provided me the motivation and support that I needed,” Ramos explained. 

Ramos shares how rewarding it felt to have the financial burden relieved from his shoulders. 

“My parents are my biggest inspirations and motivations because even with their struggles of having to provide for me and my nine siblings, they took on multiple jobs, worked day and night just so we can have a roof to live under, food on the table, and proper education,” Ramos said. 

Ramos is just like an average student at UOG, who works hard everyday to get through his classes. This award excites him to move forward with his future aspirations. 

“There are also other opportunities such as leadership conferences and professional mentorship which will help me as I become a future leader and public servant,” he said. 

Ramos will be on his way to the Truman Scholars Leadership Week in May which will be held in Liberty, Missouri. In this conference, he will get the chance to meet the fellow Truman Scholars from around the world. 

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1. Exercise

Workout or do some sort of physical activity. Now is the time to burn those excuses away by getting on a treadmill or walking around the scenic views of Tumon. By scenic I mean staring up at the iconic whale peeking out of Sea Grill.

Studies show that walking at least 20 minutes a day may reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent. As you may know (or not), heart disease is one of the leading health-related deaths on Guam. Do yourself a favor by getting rid of the Spam in the grocery list and replacing it with a nice walk!

2. Learn to Cook

Learning to cook can be a hit or miss, but it never hurts to try. It will only hurt if you burn yourself. You are already bored enough to get to this point, so might as well do it. If you are a beginner, start easy. Duh. My favorite easy recipes when I was learning how to cook were Instant Noodles. Today, I cooked boiled eggs. #Progress. 

3. Go Geocaching

Did you know that Guam actually has geocaching? Geocaching is a fun way to get an easy 20 minute walk in your day. The Geocache app allows for you to find hidden objects around the island through hints and clues that fellow geocachers post. If you are feeling mysterious, outdoorsy, and up for an adventure, this is the activity for you!

4. Go Thrifting

Salvation Army, a popular thrift store on Guam, has a warehouse located in Tamuning that is filled with pre-loved clothing, gadgets, handbags, and many other vintage items. You can literally find an old DS or GameBoy in there on a lucky day. If you are a shopper, this place is a must-try experience. 

5. Plan a Party

Planning a party can be hectic, but it does not always have to be that way. Planning a party should be as fun as the party. And if it is not, then you are not doing it right. It does not even have to be anything big! Get someone to do it with you and invite your friends and/or family. If you do not have any, go back to number one and re-read this story.

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As summer approaches, University of Guam students are looking for ways to spend their days outdoors. Hiking is a popular option among students which allows them to experience Guam’s diverse ecosystem. Several UOG students who are avid hikers have explored a variety of trails on the island and shared some of the best hiking spots for college students.

Antoni Badowski, a sophomore majoring in biology, recommends Mt. Lam Lam for those looking for a challenging yet rewarding hiking trail. The trail is about five miles round trip and takes hikers through some pretty dense vegetation and rocky terrain.

“But once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with some amazing panoramic views of the island and the ocean. There’s even a guestbook at the summit that you can sign.” Said Badowski.

For those looking for a less strenuous hike, Tarzan Falls is a popular choice. It’s about 2.5 miles round trip and takes hikers through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall. Once hikers reach the falls, they can take a refreshing dip in the pool or relax on the rocks and enjoy the scenery. Badowski cautions that hikers should be careful around the falls because the rocks can be slippery and the current can be strong.

Jose Simpson, a sophomore also majoring in biology, has hiked several trails on the island, including Tarzan Falls, Tarzan Pools, and lower and upper Sigua Falls. Simpson particularly enjoys the trail to Lower Sigua Falls, which he described as “a fun hike, fairly hard, but once you get there, it’s incredibly beautiful.” Simpson found out about these trails from a book called “The Best Trails of Guam.”

Angelo Paule, a recent UOG graduate, recommends the Sella Bay and Tarzan Falls hikes and suggests checking out the Guam Boonie Stompers on Facebook for information on upcoming hikes. Paule advises hikers to always go with a friend for safety reasons, but also because it’s nice to have someone to talk to while hiking.

 To prepare for a day of hiking, Paule suggests packing a change of clothes, towels, slippers, and plastic bags for dirty clothes, as well as two filled 32-oz water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks. He also recommends getting a good night’s sleep beforehand.

While hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors, Paule believes it’s also a significant way to connect with the land. 

“I also think it’s just unique as a way of connecting and really knowing the land in a way that’s not super common with a lot of people in the modern day,” he said.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of trails to explore on Guam. It’s essential to research the trail, pack plenty of essentials, and always let someone know where you’re going. As Badowski advises, “start small and work your way up.” Happy hiking!

The post Get out There!: From Homework to Hiking Trails appeared first on The Triton's Call.

The Campus Cafe, located on the first floor of the School of Business and Public Administration has been a staple option for food and drink for students for many years, however, the University of Guam recently made the decision to permanently close the cafe. While this may be disappointing news for many students, the impact that the cafe left on the campus community cannot be ignored.

Di Xiong, the owner of Campus Cafe, shared his thoughts on the matter in an interview: 

“We’ve been open for almost eight years. I think being able to give the students something they need to help them get through their day is important and I think we’ve done that very well.”

Xiong expressed his love for the students and the community and stated that if it were up to him, the cafe would stay forever. “I don’t know what plans UOG has for the space, but it wasn’t our choice. If it was up to us, we would just renew and keep it going.”

The Campus Cafe was more than just a place to grab a sandwich or a cup of coffee, but a place where students could gather, study, and socialize. 

It provided a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where students could take a break from the stresses of college life. The cafe was also known for its friendly staff, who were always happy to chat with the students and make them feel at home.

Jamar Nucum, a freshmen and computer science major, shared his experience with the Campus Cafe.

He mentioned, “I think the convenience, location, prices, and overall quality of the drinks and food were fantastic and that will be the general things that people will miss. The vibe and kind service they provided was super relaxing and an overall great experience.” 

In the end, the Campus Cafe may be gone, but its legacy will live on. It was a place where students could come together, share ideas, and make memories.

Xiong’s final thoughts summed up the sentiment perfectly:

“I hope that they remember the friendly atmosphere, how good our staff was, and how much we enjoyed taking care and serving them.”

The post Coffee to Go: Remembering Campus Cafe appeared first on The Triton's Call.

“Spring break is important for resting your body and mind. Students are able to focus their energy and regain it during the break. It’s important for students to have a break to avoid overloads of stress and anxiety from assignments and tests,” says Nicolette Perez, a student at the University of Guam.

Resting should not just be a break that students give themselves when they pass out at three in the morning because they had an essay due that night. 

Rest is giving yourself the time to focus on a situation that is completely stress-free.

In college, students are often so focused on the hustle of classes that they neglect their minds and bodies, depriving them of the rest that they need and deserve. 

Especially in the moments leading up to spring break, this culture of constant achievement can sweep them up and keep them awake for far longer than necessary.

“Usually, the pressure to balance my social life and school life affects my mental health.I get anxious when I have many different things on my mind, which is something that school contributes to greatly,” stated Caily Hernandez, a second year student at the University of Guam. “I do not really prioritize my social life when I have certain projects or tests coming up, which is why this spring break was really needed.”

It is important for students to give themselves time for sleep and for the activities that invigorate them. 

“Once on Spring Break, I was able to catch up on sleep, watch TV and play sports which helped ease my mind and allowed me to think about other things rather than school,” said Perez.

Without the worries of school, individuals can do anything they want like swimming, journaling, playing video games, or baking. They can return to hobbies that they have placed on hold while they prioritized school or they can attempt to try out something new.

Students have the opportunity to balance a healthy social life and give themselves the chance to spend time with their friends and family. 

They can give themselves a stress-free environment to socialize and relax over spring break and set themselves up for success when the semester begins again.

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Mothers have traditionally been the primary caregivers for children, staying up all night to feed, change, tidy up after and care for them. The unwavering devotion of a “good” mother is supposed to be one of her defining qualities. 

This extended act of selflessness includes a lengthy 18 years of time during which the woman is expected to give up everything she might have wanted prior to becoming a mother. At least, that is what is typically expected of a mother.

However, despite having these social confines placed upon them by society, college moms are free to be who they are and do not have to suppress their own aspirations.

“My journey in higher education is completely about myself and my educational goals,” stated Kyra Perez, a communication and philosophy Major at the University of Guam. 

“It may sound selfish, but that is because in my case it is. I can quit school now and go find some entry level job and start making money, but I know I will not feel fulfilled with that route. Getting my college degree is an important step in my personal self-development,” continued Perez.

For other college moms, the choice to wait to pursue a college education later in their lives was their only option because it was what was best for them and their children.

“…I had already waited long enough to go back and for a chance at a better life. the sooner the better is what I prefer even though I am sacrificing time away from my babies. It is what will benefit my family in the long run that was on my mind when I took the first steps to go back to school,” said Ciana Rosario, a communications major at the University of Guam.

While pursuing a degree while your children are growing up can appear selfish to some members of society, it really is not. Your children pick up on what you do, they notice your sacrifices and successes and learn valuable lessons from watching the way their mothers take on life.

“I hope [my children] recognise the importance of higher education. A lot of people think going to college is not necessary to find a good job and lead a fulfilling life and I agree with that 100 percent. There is something about higher education, however, that can provide more than financial gain to a person,” said Perez.

“I hope my children will learn several things watching me go through school. One of them is seeing how the difficulties and sacrifices you make when you put off college until later in your life. Another is knowing what you want to do early on in life but also knowing that it’s okay if you don’t know it right away because it may come to you later, like it did for me,“ stated Rosario.

The post If Going to College Makes You a Bad Mom, Then Go with Your Bad Self! appeared first on The Triton's Call.

The University of Guam Reserve Officer Training Corps (UOG ROTC) program is an exceptional opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and prepare for a career in the military. The UOG ROTC program provides students with the necessary training, education and experience to become successful leaders in the Army.

The program offers a challenging curriculum that includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training and hands-on leadership experience. Students are taught military tactics, communication skills and critical thinking abilities that will serve them well in any career path they choose. 

Upon graduating from the program, students are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army.

ROTC cadets often have busy schedules that require them to attend classes, participate in training exercises, complete assignments, and study for exams. To manage these demands effectively, they need to develop good time management skills. 

Cadet Ashley Iriarte, a freshmen and criminal justice major, shares how she’s been able to get assignments done.

“After my classes, when I get home, I make a to-do list of what’s important, what isn’t, and what I can do later,” she said.

Having to focus on getting assignments done might detract from the discipline needed to fulfill ROTC responsibilities.

Cadet Leimana Naholowaa, a sophomore and criminal justice major, spoke about what motivates her to keep going.

“Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning I think ‘Okay, I don’t want to go [to physical training] this morning.’ and I have to think again and go, ‘This will benefit me if I go because it’ll help me and my future.’”

Motivation can come from various sources, such as personal goals, a sense of duty to one’s country, or a desire to serve others. For Cadet Lidio Fuello, a junior majoring in psychology, motivation to succeed encompasses all those things.

“As someone who is going to be commissioned as an army officer, I am going to lead someone’s son or daughter into war and I don’t want to fail my countrymen by being an incompetent leader. So for me, what it’s about now is that I have to be motivated to make myself better so I can ultimately lead others to succeed as well,”

Cadet Fuello concludes how the comradery of the program makes hardships that come with being a cadet and student all worth the while. 

“In ROTC, there is a common saying, it’s called “embrace the suck”. Despite all the setbacks and adversities, we experience it together as a team and that’s what makes us all closer,” says Fuello.

The post Balance is Key: How UOG ROTC Cadets Succeed appeared first on The Triton's Call.

With these statistics, UOG has become a well-diverse environment, especially being the island’s only University. 

As both ethnic backgrounds are diverse and unique, there are many reasons to celebrate and honor the pride students take in their culture. In this story, we look at how students perceive diversity in UOG and what barriers they may face with underrepresentation on campus. 

Riko Ichikawa, a freshman Accounting major at UOG defines diversity as acknowledging that everyone brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table. “It means valuing differences rather than trying to erase them,” she said.

Ichikawa is Japanese, but was born and raised on Guam. UOG was a natural choice for her. She believes that UOG does well in honoring and respecting the diverse cultures on campus through cultural events and student organizations. However, she does feel the need for UOG to improve representation in curriculum, faculty, and staff.

There are moments on campus where students feel “talked down upon” by some faculty and staff. Believe it or not, it happens quite often. Some faculty and staff treat students differently because they are “kids.” 

Students are often judged by the way they act or do things on campus. As a result, some students feel constrained and develop the feeling of not belonging. 

“Coping with the challenge of feeling underrepresented can be difficult, but some strategies that may help include seeking support from student organizations that share your background or identity,” Ichikawa said.

She notes the importance of speaking up. “Remember that you have a valuable voice, even if it’s not always recognized by others,” she said.

Chauntae Quichocho, a senior majoring in Chamoru Studies for Education admits that she has had experience of feeling underrepresented in some of her classes. “I do feel that there needs to be more local professors here on campus to be able to relate to the kinds of cultures, traditions, and values of the students,” she said.

With UOG professors also being culturally diverse, they come from different ethnic backgrounds with their own traditions and practices. Some professors may not understand the struggle that students face outside of their academic life to make ends meet. 

On top of student’s studies, some work part-time jobs to help pay for bills. Some are even the “breadwinner” or “head of the household” in their families as a working-student. 

Although the focus of the faculty is to ensure excellence in academics, students feel that the need for a stronger accommodation in understanding the life behind the academic door must be represented. 

To overcome this battle, Quichocho talks to a mentor who she says is working hard to ensure that others do not have to experience the same feeling. 

How are students finding success in the midst of the cultural barriers?

Oxaly Orichiro, a senior in UOG says that her motivations outside of campus brings her to the mindset to keep going.

She spends her time outside of campus hanging out with her family and friends, embracing the moments she shares that bring her closer to her spirituality. 

“I don’t really focus on challenges. There will always be challenges, I’m sure of that. I focus on the positive and getting through with my classes,” she said. Orichiro is a Chuukese student seeking a degree in public administration. 

UOG continues to strive for unity in diversity with being the only university on Guam. Students stay resilient with the challenges and still continue to seek success for themselves.

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In this story, college students from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are revealing their secrets on how they pass an exam, bounce back after failing one, how to have confidence, and how to pretend like you know what is going on in class. 

To what extent are students pushing themselves to pass an exam with a desirable grade? Loreto Paulino, a senior at the University of Guam majoring in Chemistry says his secret to passing an exam is using ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence system. 

He uses AI to create a test based on his notes. “It’s like having a personal teacher who doesn’t judge me on my bad habits,” Paulino said.

In the many wins that college students achieve, they also face failure. Paulino shares how he is able to bounce back from failing an exam. 

“The key is to remember that failing an exam is not the end of the world,” he said.

When asked about how he built his confidence during his time as a graduating senior, Paulino says to imagine yourself as a Hollywood star. 

“You are a Hollywood star and the classroom is your stage. Your classmates are the supporting actors, but you’re the leading role,” he said. 

STEM students like Nathan Paz, a junior majoring in Biology under the biomedical track emphasizes that his secret in taking in the defeat of the result of a bad exam is to allow yourself to grieve. 

“Go out for a meal or relax while processing the exam score. Don’t beat yourself over it. A failed exam is only one moment in your entire college career,” Paz said. 

“Women in STEM” is a popular phrase that highlights the impact that women have in a rigorous field of study. Hilary Tirazona, a proud woman also majoring in biomedical, says her secret to passing an exam is time-consuming, soul-crunching and tedious, but it has never let her down, yet.

It is the traditional way of taking notes, reading, making a study guide, and quizzing yourself.

“Confidence is something that is acquired. It doesn’t stem from thinking that you know everything, but rather, from knowing that you have done all that you can and have given your best effort,” Tirazona said. 

Now that all the secrets of failure and success have been revealed by some students, what do you do when you are in your fourth class of the day and have no idea what is going on?

Tirazona says that it is all about making that body language connection with your professor. “Lock eyes with your professor, smile, nod, and then type. Just type anything to make it seem like you are writing down everything they just said,” she said. 

The bottom line is that you are not alone in this college journey of success. Help is offered wherever you may go, and it does not hurt to accept failure throughout the journey. 

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