Students attending the University of Guam are not only passionate in their studies but are also passionate in pursuing their hobbies. 

When not studying for an exam, two sisters can be found dancing with the island’s only collegiate dance team, UOG Triton’s Collective. 

Camille “Cami” Cosico, a third-year psychology major and philosophy minor, is the current vice president for Triton’s Collective and has been with the team since 2021. 

Her sister, Monica “Moni” Cosico, a first-year communication major and theater minor, joined Triton’s Collective in Fall of 2022.

She and her sister have been dancing since they were children and both continue to find inspiration from various celebrities and choreographers, such as BTS and Paris Goebel, who choreographed Rihanna’s Super Bowl 2023 performance. 

Moni Cosico expressed her story as to how she became interested in dancing.

“I’ve always been interested in dancing since I was a kid, but the ‘Step Up 3D’ movie was what really got me into it,” she said. “So, when my sister and I moved to Guam from the Philippines I was able to join dance teams in high school and now in college.”

According to the Cosico sisters, performances are an important aspect of being a dancer. They believe putting the work into being a better dancer ties into helping them perform better academically and relieve stress.

Moni Cosico expressed how dancing promotes discipline in her day-to-day life.

“The skills I need for my major are presenting and public speaking and this is where dance practice comes into place,” she said. “Something I learned through being a part of Triton’s Collective is making sure that days prior [to a performance or presentation] I know my stuff,” she said. 

Cami Cosico explained that dancing as a student also helps her with her mental health.

“In a way, dancing also helps with mental health because college can be stressful,” she said. “When you come to practice your brain shuts off and helps you focus on one thing and then you start to feel better afterwards because it helps you cope with your stress.”

Cami Cosico expressed her feelings of success when it comes to dance, however she noted that her definition of being successful might be different from others.

“For me, an easy way to define success is if I’m happy where I’m at and I’m happy in what I’m doing, then I am successful,” she said. “If I’m able to entertain and make an impact on the people around me then that is success.” 

As a student, spending time pursuing your hobbies does not take away from your journey towards getting your degree. In fact, it can enhance your experiences and help you in developing the skills needed to become successful.