The University of Guam has over 2,800 students as of this current spring semester. About 45% are pacific islander, 47% are Asian, 3% are white/non-Hispanic, 0.5% are international students, 1% are Hispanic, 0.4% are black/African American, 0.1% are Native American, and the other 3% are unknown. 

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.