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.

One of the most popular methods that these students utilize is partying. You cannot have the classic college experience without a little bit of partying right?

Now I am not talking about the typical house party or a small gathering. I am talking about partying at a nightclub.

To ensure that you are not partying the wrong way, here are 10 things that you should know when you are partying at a nightclub.

1. KNOW YOUR LIMIT

You do not want to be known as the person that has to get carried out of the club by your friends, or be the reason your friends have to stop having a good time because they have to babysit you.

Having a couple of drinks is fine, yes, but please know your limit. Do not let anyone peer pressure you into drinking beyond your limit.

2. DO NOT BE A CREEP

Everyone knows that there are an abundance of attractive people that go clubbing.

It is fine to approach them and to try and engage in a conversation. But please know boundaries and read the room. Do not do anything to make them feel uncomfortable.

3. DO NOT USE THE RESTROOM WITHOUT WASHING YOUR HANDS

So many people are in a hurry to get back to partying that they forget about basic hygiene.

On top of that they are grabbing drinks, shaking people’s hands, and touching other people with unwashed hands. Please be considerate of others.

4. DON’T LEAVE YOUR HOUSE LOOKING LIKE A MESS

Make sure you dress appropriately. Yes this is Guam, but don’t come to the club in your pajamas.

Do not come dressed in something that you typically would not leave your house in. Not to say that you need to dress to impress, but please have a little pride in your appearance.

5. DO NOT JUST STAND AROUND ON THE DANCE FLOOR

If you are on the dance floor, please dance.

If you do not want to, then there is plenty of space outside the dance floor for people to hang
out. The sole purpose of the DJ and the dance floor is for people to express themselves and have a good time with their friends, so do not stand in the way of people doing that.

6. DO NOT CROWD THE DJ BOOTH

DJs spend a lot of time and money honing their craft and it would be difficult for them to do their job if you are constantly in their space and keep them from performing at a proficient level.

Their equipment is also very expensive so you do not want to be the person that spills a drink on their equipment, or knocks over their equipment.

7. BE NICE TO YOUR BARTENDERS

The bartenders work hard to serve hundreds of people at a fast pace throughout the night. They have to make so many different drinks without really catching a break.

Yes the line may be long or your drink takes a while to make, but please try not to give them a hard time. One more thing,

Please tip your bartenders

8. SHOOT YOUR SHOT

There is plenty of time in the night to make that move.

Do not be that person who finally gathers up the courage when they are in the parking lot and
getting ready to go home. Shoot your shot while you are there already. The worst thing they can say is no, so just do it.

9. DO NOT BE DISRESPECTFUL TO THE PEOPLE YOU ENCOUNTER

You never know who could be having a bad day or a bad night. Egos tend to clash the club but be the bigger person in any situation, especially when there is alcohol involved and people are already not thinking straight.

Respect goes a long way and disrespect will only get you so far.

10. DON’T GET INTO A FIGHT

In relation to number nine, being disrespectful at any point can potentially lead to fighting. A fight is the last thing you want to happen because it ruins the entire atmosphere.

Now there is security dragging people out of the club, the DJs have to stop the music, the police show up, and the club can potentially get shut down for the night.

The post Study Hard, Party Harder 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.

The post 5 ways to cure summer boredom appeared first on The Triton's Call.

With highly anticipated summer premieres and notifications turned on to remind us when our favorite series’ newest episodes will be out, we spoke to a couple of University of Guam Tritons to see how their summer watchlists are shaping up.

The first streaming platform to head to was HBO Max as math major Kai Blas has already been making plans to watch all of Makoto Shinkai’s movies once summer hits. Not all of the director’s movies are available on HBO Max, but Blas suggests Weathering With You on the platform for anyone interested. “I wanna go through the summer watching all of his films, just so I can have a little more context of the evolution of his movies,” Blas shares, intrigued by someone he considers to be a director that everyone should be watching.

Keeping with the anime theme but heading to a different streaming service, Crunchyroll, Blas shares his intentions to watch an anime called Ranking of Kings. “I’ve been hearing a lot of good talk about it. I’ve yet to watch it,” Blas stated. “Everyone recommends it to me. A lot of people are saying it’s in the top ten on their [best anime] lists.”

For those with a Disney+ subscription, you can join UOG student Jewel Morrison in preparing for the upcoming Marvel movies coming out. Morrison, a second year psychology student, is itching to watch the newest installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, which comes out this summer. “I’m gonna have to binge-watch all the movies before I watch this one…I’ve been wanting to,” Morrison declared following how she wants to make sure she hasn’t accidentally missed any major plot points before going in to see the new film.

Blas joined in on the Marvel conversation as he recalled that the sequel to Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse is being released on June 2. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. We gotta watch it! The first one was great,” Blas expressed, inviting his fellow Tritons to get excited for Miles Morales’ Spider-Man.

The liveliest responses came from Morrison’s enthusiasm for Barbie, which is expected to be released on July 21. “I heard about it from one of my friends. I just watched the trailer a couple days ago,” Morrison explained. Even Blas shared his intent to see the film post seeing the trailer. “I’m pretty excited watching the trailer…I’m not too familiar with [the toy] but I grew up with cousins that had Barbies.”

Despite the seemingly positive interest, Morrison shares what she believes looks like a bad choice. “The only thing I don’t like about the movie – that I’m not excited for – is the fact that Ryan Gosling is playing Ken. Personally, I don’t think he has the looks for it.” Regardless of this opinion, Morrison’s eagerness to see the film hasn’t faltered.

The duo implores their fellow Tritons to make sure they head to the theaters with them to show support for these upcoming releases. If you aren’t set on heading to the theaters just yet, make sure you are still signed up to your favorite streaming service – or borrow a friend’s Crunchyroll, Disney+ or HBO account. Have fun sitting back and watching your favorite films without the worry of upcoming deadlines looming over you!

The post Netflix and Actually Chilling: Summer Watchlist appeared first on The Triton's Call.

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.

Today, employers question whether a typical college degree equips students with the soft skills needed in the workplace—problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

We asked graduating students within the University of Guam, to share their opinions on the struggles of seeking employment opportunities.

Many undergraduates are beginning their transition from youth dependence to adult independence—and for the vast majority, this involves finding work to help them stay afloat. 

Has the university equipped them well enough to comfortably seek and secure employment?

“With both the junior and senior internship courses I have taken, I have been able to network with many different people from various fields of work. Therefore, I definitely think UOG has prepared me for the next chapter of my life in finding a career,” said Brandon Phillippe Cruz, a communication major at the university.

This is not the case for everyone. Mikaylla Nicole M. Alcairo, a psychology and communication major at the University of Guam, shares her perspective.

“To find a job, I would say that UOG has equipped me well enough, but I feel that if I apply for a job I would not be the best candidate,” said Alcairo. “I think that a lot of times employers rely on experience and I feel like I am somewhat lacking,” said Alcairo.

Competitiveness in a student’s major can hinder a potential undergraduate’s opportunity to attain a position once they graduate.

“I believe my major is competitive to a degree when looking at essential roles in society,” said Breanah Francisco, a communication Major at the University of Guam.  

“There are many employers and organizations that rely heavily on communication which affects every aspect of our lives,” continued Francisco.

Nathaniel Dulla, a communication major, under the public relations track, shares how he feels about competition within a major.

“I feel like because of these different routes students could take in their career in the future, there is competition. But I would say that there is always going to be competition in any field of work you want to get into,” said Dulla.

To get a head start in seeking employment opportunities, these students shared tools and resources that they use for networking and job searching.

“I use job websites like USAjobs.com and indeed.com to look for jobs. They have great features that can help individuals create a resume and offer assessments that they can put on their resume. I also have a LinkedIn account so that helps me to network as well,” recommended Alcairo.

While most recommend the use of social media applications, Cruz shares a different approach.

“The skills of public speaking and human interaction are just a few things I have developed over time throughout the courses I have taken within my program,” mentioned Cruz. “I find myself more comfortable speaking to and in front of people in a much more confident approach.”

Fighting through the last few weeks of the semester, these undergraduates share the same tenacity to finish the semester strong and look forward to graduating in May 2023. 

The post Ain’t It Fun? Living In The Real World: The Struggle Of Communication Undergraduates Seeking Employment Opportunities appeared first on The Triton's Call.

We have all heard people who say that pets are “just” animals, as though they’re not important in our lives. These people have likely never owned a loyal dog or loving cat and their words could not be further from the truth. 

Most pet owners will know how wonderful owning an animal can be. They understand the companionship and how beautiful bonds can be formed between animals and humans.

“…I always have a companion and I never feel lonely or bored,” said Ronald Fuellas, a Communication major at the University of Guam.

There are a number of reasons to have a pet while in college. Students may be lonely, stressed, miss their family, or they may not have owned pets before and have always wanted one. 

“Yoshi is actually the first dog that I own alone and seriously take care of so we are both very attached to each other. I got him during the beginning of COVID and I was ending my freshman year at that time as well,” stated Mikaylla Alcairo, another Communication major at the University.

“It was comforting having a dog during that tough time in college because isolating at home was very hard for me. Outside of COVID, having a dog has been such a joy and stress relieving. My dog is fluffy so I love to cuddle with him when I am stressed,” Alcairo continued.

Joining pets and college, however, is not always a positive experience. As a matter of fact, it can occasionally be a dubious combination. 

“When Roofus was born, he would chew on things he’s not supposed to chew on. Clothes, internet cords…and my couch. There were not many cons besides buying pee pads and dog food. You just have to train them with doggy treats and they will listen to you,” mentioned Christian Enriquez, a Communication major.

Animals do not ask for much in life and most just need a warm, safe and sheltered place to live, as well as adequate food, water and exercise.

A pet will be there to greet students after a long day and is always available to lend a sympathetic ear or a furry shoulder to cry on. 

“The unconditional love they provide when you come home from a hard day of work! They are my babies so I always look forward to coming home,” said Enriquez.

Owning a pet will change your life and bring you so much love and joy. They help us to gain a sense of responsibility, show us unconditional love, and are always there when we need them.

The post Cuteness Overload: College and Pets, Let’s Talk About It appeared first on The Triton's Call.

Summer 2023 is closely approaching University of Guam students who all have different plans when it comes to deciding how they want to spend it. While some prefer to sleep-in and stay home until the fall semester, others have a desire to travel to places far away.

Some Tritons who have travel experiences believe that they would rather spend the summer off-island rather than doing something here on Guam.

Anita Tman, a junior majoring in social work, is a travel enthusiast who has been to the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines to name a few.

“The first time I’ve ever traveled, it was to compete in sports competitions, but now I usually just travel to visit family members abroad or for fun,” she said. “The last time I traveled was last month to the Philippines with the social work program which allowed me to gain new experiences.”

Tman, if given the opportunity, plans to get an internship this summer or go to Washington where some of her family currently resides. 

Despite planning to go visit her family in Washington, there is a particular place that she holds dear to her heart–a place that she dreams of being rather than here.

“If I could be anywhere else but here, I would want to go to Yap, where I’m from, because I haven’t been there since 2020,” she said. “I would love to go visit my family members who are in Yap and experience being home.” 

Filomen Llegado, a sophomore majoring in pre-physical therapy, is also an experienced traveler and has been to both the Philippines and Nevada within the last year. 

“I went to Nevada last December to spend the holidays with my older brother and his family,” she said. “While I was there, I experienced eating at places that could not be found on Guam such as Chick-fil-A and the famous Costco Food Court.” 

Yet, Llegado noted that this summer she would prefer to be traveling across Europe than be here in Guam.

“If I could be anywhere else but here, I would want to go to Europe because recently I’ve been seeing travel reels on Instagram where they showcase the beauty of Italy and Greece,” she said. “I would like to go visit museums, go sight-seeing, and enjoy good food.”

However, Llegado explained that while she would love to travel again this summer, she feels the need to prioritize her education.

“Unfortunately, I must take summer classes this year so that I’ll be on track with my major, but I believe it will be worth it as I made this decision because it allows me to remain determined towards getting my college degree,” she said. “At the end of the day, I believe there will be many opportunities to travel after graduation.”

Ultimately, summer is right around the corner and students are looking forward to it no matter where they might be spending it. 

Even though some students would prefer to be anywhere else but here, what is most important is that students take the time to rest and enjoy after all the hard work they’ve done this semester. 

The post If I Could Be Anywhere Else but Here This Summer appeared first on The Triton's Call.

From ensuring all necessary forms are completed to taking a moment to breathe it all in, two seniors, Marian ‘Mar’ Salenga and Mikaylla ‘Kaylla’ Alcairo, share their thoughts about it all as well as some advice for future graduates of UOG!

With so many other factors at play in her life right now, such as arranging to relocate post-graduation, Alcairo, double majoring in Communication and Psychology, shares that she had to make sure she began preparation for everything needed the semester prior to this to relieve her anxiety and suggests those who are graduating soon do the same thing.

Salenga, who is majoring in Psychology, shares what initially made her feel as though the process to graduate would be so unstable. “I’ve heard many unfortunate stories on the topic of not having enough credits to graduate…a little unsettling but exciting because I’m almost there,” she clarifies. “[E]verything’s completed, it’s just my final semester grades that matter right now!”

A highlighted portion for both girls revolves around those who surround and encourage them. “The people who are supporting me feel proud. It’s such a big accomplishment in our eyes, so I think we feel similar emotions,” Salenga states. She feels as though such a big accomplishment touches the lives of those around her as well as her own, especially her parents, who she acknowledges for continuing to take care of and support her. Alcairo agrees with the sentiment and says that although she did not think that having something to celebrate graduating would be important, all her friends and family are doing a lot to make sure they are able to show support.

There is just something about this step of life that is bittersweet to leave. Salenga and Alcairo know that they will miss being a student at the university. The pair of friends agree in their responses in that they know despite graduating, they are still learning and want to continue to be educated, even if they don’t continue with schooling. “I am enjoying the embrace of all this knowledge,” Salenga adds onto how she wishes she saw a higher appreciation towards education. 

The duo is also fond of their friendships and have found that growing at the university has also shed new light on how they view relationships. 

Alcairo affectionately shares the ones she believes she will be missing the most. “The people I met in my classes – that I have had several classes with. I formed a friendship with them, even if we don’t have the same friend groups outside of class, the people I always sit next to.”

Our two graduates ensured they left some words of wisdom for their peers who have yet to graduate:

“Show up…Follow your advisor. Make use of the things that the university offers.”

From, Kaylla

“My advice is to take advantage of the education. Use it. Challenge it. See the benefit in it. Focus on a good balance between work, fun, loved ones, and yourself.”

Best, Mar

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