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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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.

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.

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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

The post Gearing Up for Grad appeared first on The Triton's Call.

It is staying in your residential vicinity while taking time off from work to visit local attractions and restaurants, and participate in leisure activities that can act as a “mental maneuver” to convince individuals that they are on an actual vacation. 

The concept of “staycation” has started to gain popularity around the world and people are beginning to hear it come up more and more these days, as individuals and families look for alternatives to air-traveling. 

“I choose to staycation because I enjoy being able to do things together as a group with friends and family,” said Lynn Galang, an Integrative Biology major at the University of Guam. “Not everyone has the luxury of being able to go off-island.”

If done right, a staycation can be really exciting and the perfect temporary solution for satisfying the desire to travel.

But not everyone prefers vacations over “staycations”. Take Britney Sison for instance, a Chemistry-Biology major at the University of Guam.

“I like staycations because I can focus on my mental and emotional health and work on all the things that I have been wanting to do. With vacation elsewhere, I am too preoccupied to explore all of the places and stress about how to get to those places and budget,” said Sison.

Staycations are incredible and can be ideal for those that are ready for a change of pace and need an escape from their real lives, want to go on vacation but do not want to blow their budget, and/or need to fully unwind, disconnect, and relax.

“Some of my favorite staycation activities include going to the beach, swimming, fishing, strolling around the island, binge watching television series, and sleeping,” stated Rita Taitague, a Nursing major at the University of Guam.

I hope this inspires individuals to get up off their feet, get out of their normal routines, take advantage of the amazing places around them, and to explore in spite of what might seem like a limited ability to travel. Still, there is so much to see, take in and experience!

The post I Rest My Suitcase: Reasons to Considers Taking a Staycation This Summer appeared first on The Triton's Call.

In order to ensure a safer environment, internal changes need to be made in one’s self and perceptions. 

We often have no idea how historical events have influenced our lives and how we navigate through the world, particularly in terms of privileges associated with the various identities that each of us holds. 

Amelia Delgado, who represents the University of Guam’s Violence Against Women Prevention Program, mentions that women, especially those of underrepresented races, are the most likely victims of sexual violence. 

“According to the [Center for Disease Control] one in four women have experienced completed or attempted rape versus the one in twenty-six men who have experienced completed or attempted rape. It’s hard to look at that and not believe that it’s related to sexism,” said Delgado. “Comparatively the ethnic group with the highest rate of sexual assault are Native American/Alaskan women. It is also difficult to not believe that that percentage is not affected by racism.” 

UOG’s VAWPP is taking steps to become more active on campus.

If you have ever experienced forms of sexual violence such as: rape, sexual abuse, unwanted sexual contact/ touching, nonconsensual image sharing, words and actions of sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent or exposing one’s genitals  or naked body to others without consent; please reachout to UOG’s VAWPP, located on the second floor of the Humanities and Social Sciences building in the I Pinangon office.

“We provide information on resources available on the island for those who are in need,” Delgado provided.  

VAWPP offers several resources to aid in mitigating the risks and instances of sexual violence. 

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Delgado, is inviting the public to a screening of “Promising Young Woman” at 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on April 27, at the UOG College of Liberal Arts and Social Science’s Lecture Hall. This is their third event of National Sexual Assault Awareness month.

Following the film, a panel of student leaders will be invited to share their ideas and take questions from the audience.

 “We hope that all who attend our events gain greater knowledge about gender-based violence and are empowered to support their loved ones to seek help and safety,” said Delgado

Individuals of all genders who experience gender-based violence are to reach out for help from loved ones and/or programs such as Victim Advocates Reaching Out. 

VARO operates a 24-hour crisis hotline that survivors can call at (671) 477-5552. Please know that you are not alone and there is a community of resources and support services available to you.

The post Ayo Was That Sexual Assault?: Sexual Assault Awareness Month  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.

He gives credit to his advisor and mentor, John Salas, saying that Salas had everything to do with the success that Leon Guerrero has accomplished since graduating from UOG. 

Salas was a major influence in Leon Guerrero’s decision to choose the hospitality management route 

“When I got into the hospitality management division, I kicked it into full gear. I moved quickly and I got my degree. I was on the Dean’s List towards the end.”

Leon Guerrero has been working with United Airlines since 1996, back when it was known as Continental Airlines. He has since worked his way up the ranks and is now a system operations representative. “As the ‘middleman’ between everyone within the airlines, this line of work can be demanding, especially during peak hours of traffic within the airport.”

Outside of his main line of work at United, Leon Guerrero also takes time to do freelance writing for Guam Sports Network. He says that continuing to work for GSPN is his outlet for fun. 

His reasoning for choosing this specific line of work is that he wants to help the community and finds great satisfaction in uplifting the athletes on the island. “Sports has always been an avenue…an alternative for not going out and committing crime or doing drugs. Sports is that thing that they do to combat that,” Leon Guerrero shares. 

With GSPN, he has assisted in throwing events such as pre-season tournaments and all-star games, and he has gone overseas to cover local athletes in their respective sports.

Leon Guerrero is part of Guam’s national team for the sport and has gone overseas to compete in international tournaments. In 2019, he earned the title of the highest ranking Guamanian to participate in the Bowling World Cup, placing tenth. He continues to compete in the sport and is planning on attending the Philippine International Open in May.

Driven by his want to elevate young athletes combined with his experience with bowling, Leon Guerrero has proven to be a vital part in the development of a bowling league for the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Association of Guam. 

The IIAAG bowling league is a project that Leon Guerrero is spending a lot of time with. All of the coaching is free and he ensures himself moments with most schools involved to provide as much assistance as he can to young bowlers in the league. 

Many of the athletes are completely new to sports. “They’re finding out that this sport of bowling is something that they can challenge themselves with – mentally and physically.”

To current students at UOG that are interested in his career path or are following a similar degree program to him, Leon Guerrero wants to let you know that there are jobs out there for you! He has continuously seen more jobs opening up and is confident that UOG students have the education to excel in the field.

The post Professional Bowler, Freelance Journalist, UOG Alum: Jay Leon Guerrero appeared first on The Triton's Call.

May graduated from the University of Guam in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and continued her education to then receive a Master’s degree in 2017 for Business Administration. 

It was during her time at UOG that May experienced what she refers to as, “an awakening to the injustices of living in a modern day colony.” According to May, the most influential courses that opened her eyes to such a reality included political science, CHamoru and humanities.

May also gives credit to the Fellows for Inquiry Towards Enlightenment Club, or F.I.T.E. Club, which she was a member of, for teaching her about what it takes to be an activist. “We would attend speeches held by politicians on campus and play the role of watchdogs.” 

Addressing students currently attending UOG, May shares her hopes in being able to find the path that feels right, feeling strongly about this topic as she went through multiple major changes before settling on English. “Switch gears and adjust plans until you find what is right for you.” 

“I continue to make big decisions and shifts in my life trusting my gut instincts and prioritizing that the work I do aligns with my values.” May believes that finding comfort in your plans while in college will follow into your future, so it is good to practice allowing yourself to do what satisfies you.

Since graduating, May has taken on many roles from marketing, to communications specialist, to business owner. 

Her small business, Lole’ Handmade, exhibits her dedication to zero-waste and sustainability as her products consist of handmade body care products, recycled glass jewelry and upcycled wine bottle candles. 

May frequently takes part in organizing events for the community with the goal of raising awareness about environmental and cultural justice issues in Guåhan. 

Associated with groups such as Hita Litekyan, Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, I Hagan Famalåo’an Guåhan and the Mana’adahi Coalition, May’s passion for such advocacy was kickstarted by her family’s loss of land. 

Alongside other local families, May is unable to connect to her ancestors through their land due to the military taking possession of the northernmost area of Guam, where her family’s beach was located. 

For her most recent project, May returned to the UOG campus to present the final product: a three part series of short films called For Love of Water. 

Each of the three films cover the importance of water travel from Guam to Hawaii and are entitled Protecting Guam’s Aquifer, Pacifika Solidarity and Toxic Legacy. Through these films, May hopes to educate viewers on topics such as how locals of the Pacific have traditions connecting them to water and how unnatural levels of carcinogens being found in the islands’ water are making it difficult to prosper among them.

May is excited to announce the release of the film series onto YouTube. 

The first of the three episodes is currently up and updates for the continuation of the series will come within upcoming weeks.

To watch the first episode of the For Love of Water series, you can subscribe to Maria Hernandez May’s Youtube channel. The video is entitled EP1: Protecting Guam’s Aquifer (For Love of Water Series) on YouTube. 

For further information regarding May’s business, her shop can be found online at lolehandmade.com and its Instagram is @lolehandmadeguam. 

If you are interested in May’s community organization efforts to bring awareness to cultural and environmental matters, she posts updates on her Instagram, @hitalitekyan.

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