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.

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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.

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Last year was the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that the film festival took place in front of a full crowd. The theme was “One Step Forward”, as in moving forward from the pandemic that almost stopped the world from operating at a normal pace. This year, the film festival will be taking place at the University of Guam inside the lecture hall. The 8th annual UOG Film Festival will be taking place on campus for the first time in four years.

This year’s class that is coordinating the event has double the amount of students as last year’s class. Reese Meno, a communications major who is taking part in coordinating the film festival explained how her and her classmates are preparing for this event. “With a bigger class this year we’ve been able to set a task list and divide various tasks into different committees such as decorating and sponsorships”. The students work diligently to ensure the film festival is a success for not only themselves, but for all the filmmakers and the people who plan to attend. 

This year’s film festival will be different according to Tatiana Ananich, another communications major who is taking part in coordinating the event. She states, “Two major differences are the venue and lesser restrictions, and because the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t as much of a threat as it was last year our guests won’t have to abide by as many rules and regulations”. The last film festival happened during a time when masks were still required and the amount of people at indoor events were limited. Almost a week before last year’s film festival, the governor lifted mask restrictions as well as the limited number of people allowed at indoor events, conflicting with the coordinating of the 2022 UOG Film Festival.

Of course there will be a few challenges along the way as coordinating events can always have its difficulties. “Overall I think time is our biggest challenge. Planning is essential, because we have to take into consideration film time, getting in touch with speakers, reaching out to sponsors, and working together to make sure everything comes together the day of”, says Meno. Although the film festival coordinates have their challenges, the sky is truly the limit because the students as well as the filmmakers are extremely talented. 

Overall, this year’s Film Festival will be one for the ages. The coordinators and filmmakers have been working day in and day out to ensure that this will be one of the most exciting events at UOG. This will be a festival you do not want to miss out on. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 5th. Before you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, come to the University of Guam Film Festival and watch some amazing films displayed by the students at UOG. For more information, follow @uogfilmfestival on Instagram for details about the upcoming event. 

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The relationship between Guam and the United States military has been mixed over the last century. For the University of Guam, they have been welcoming of prior service members whether local or abroad.  Because of this support, the University of Guam has decided to revive the Student Veterans Organization. 

The Student Veteran Organization is a club for students who served in the United States Armed forces as well as for students who did not serve. It is an organization for like minded students who are going or have gone through the transition from military life to student life. 

University of Guam Veterans Affairs Representative Aileen Artero asked Keana Perez, who is a current service member in the Army National Guard as well as a University of Guam student, if she would be interested in revamping the Student Veteran Organization and Perez obliged. Perez would then become the president of the newly revived Student Veteran Organization. 

Perez explains why the Student Veteran Organization was reborn. “SVO seeks to provide the resources and support needed to reintegrate into campus life and achieve academic success”. Perez proceeded to explain some of the benefits of being a veteran student, “Many service members are unaware that registering as a veteran with UOG qualifies them for early registration”.

Not only do veteran students qualify for early registration, but those who have been honorably discharged qualify for the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill for their education. Think of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill as a full scholarship that pays for your costs of living as well. The G.I. Bill can also be helpful when it comes to purchasing supplies for school. Another form of G.I. Bill is the Vocational Rehabilitation for Employment, a scholarship for disabled veterans that will pay for the veteran’s education for them to have a career post college to accommodate the disabled. 

There are a few challenges that come with living a different life that one has already been accustomed to. “There will always be a time a veteran seeking higher education faces adversity,” said Perez. “Although there aren’t any challenges of my own, a good battle buddy of mine approached me about their difficulty in managing their own time or making their own schedule and I saw the disconnect between their military lifestyle and civilian lifestyle.

SVO is not only exclusive to veterans. Students without a military background can also join the club. Perez wanted the Student Veteran Organization to be an all inclusive club regardless of how long you served or if you didn’t serve at all. Perez wanted to ensure that anyone and everyone is welcomed to join the club, which is great for students who are interested in the military and military life in general. 

Perhaps some students may want to consider joining the military after they graduate and SVO can give students knowledge about the military and military lifestyle. Perez says, “SVO is here to do just that. Help all our brothers and sisters. A veteran can serve a day, 10 weeks, or 20 years. Here at SVO you are considered a veteran.”

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Women’s History Month is vaguely mentioned at the University of Guam. Women who are currently attending, as well as alumni of UOG have made an impact within the community. Women’s History Month should be presented as more than a fun fact, it should be acknowledged and celebrated more on campus. 

Althea Engman, a reporter for Guam’s Pacific News Center, and a current Business Administration major student at the University of Guam had this to say about Women’s History Month on campus, “Yes, Women’s History Month should be acknowledged at the University of Guam. There are many things women have accomplished in history and should be highlighted whether it be Guam’s history or US history For example, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero who became the first female Governor.” Leon Guerrero made history when she was elected as governor of Guam in 2019, becoming Guam’s 9th governor and the first female governor in Guam’s history.

The women of the university past and present have shown great representation with their capabilities and the way that they can make an impact on Guam. Sometimes women can be overlooked because of the perception of their gender as well as gender biases. “I think women who are attending and or plan to attend the university will have to work just as hard, maybe even harder to accomplish goals and complete majors available at UOG”, said Engman. 

Of course there is no rainbow without a little bit of rain as there are some people who could possibly rain on the parade of Women’s History Month. That comes with almost everything. There is a slight possibility that acknowledging and celebrating Women’s History Month can be met with some backlash. Some people may ask, “Why are women being celebrated?”, “What did they do to deserve a month of history?”, so on and so forth. The most important thing that women have done is carry a human body in their womb for nine months. The reason that life exists now is because of women because they birthed everyone who exists. 

Do yourself a favor, go hug your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, spouses, and any of the women who have played an important role in your life. Give them their flowers and thank them for being who they are. Happy Women’s History Month.

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One of the easiest ways to represent your alma mater as well as school spirit is through wearing the school’s clothing. 

Over the years, the University of Guam created different kinds of merchandise. The issue with it is that it is different, but the concept is the same. The University of Guam needs better merchandise. The school needs gear that the students, as well as alumni and people who have not even attended would want to wear. 

All of the clothing that had been released was a bit too plain. The school merch needs to have depth, it needs to have some character. It needs to have the effect that makes people say, “I want to buy that.” UOG merchandise is not only sold at the Triton store, but can also be purchased on the University of Guam Triton Store website.

A survey sounds reasonable, but the students would need to be interested enough to want to take a survey regarding school merchandise. Maybe an online survey or an in-person survey to get an understanding of what the students, as well as alumni would want to see in the future. 

One of the best ideas is to have themes for the merchandise. For example, during certain holidays there should be school merchandise surrounding that holiday. It can be a way to show that the University is in touch with what is going on and it will show some creativity. Holidays are celebrated all over the world and on social media so that can be the easiest thing to start with. 

Merchandise is also available on the UOG store website and there are images that show the available merchandise to purchase. There are choices from their original collection, their athletics collection, and they even have merchandise for children. For the most part, the merchandise just looks plain. There is not much that grabs attention. UOG needs to have merchandise that people feel cool wearing.

Take Jordan’s for example. It was primarily a basketball shoe, but it has now become fashionable for street wear, and casual wear. Most people that wear Jordan’s don’t even play basketball, or have seen Michael Jordan play basketball. Of course UOG doesn’t compare to Michael Jordan, but we all have to start somewhere. For this year’s theme of “UOG Forward”, it’s a great start to move forward with some better merch. 

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For the last few years, mental health has become a focal point in today’s society. Every year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. For Guam, there has been a group of women advocating that it is okay to talk about mental health awareness. 

The premise of TUMA is to encourage people to be more open about discussing mental health. Also, to influence people to be the light for those going through dark moments. The TUMA team has even created a blog on their website as a safe space for people to express themselves through words. Their ultimate goal is to spread mental health awareness to the community, and that it is okay to talk about it. 

Jesrae Moylan, the founder of the nonprofit organization TUMA, abbreviated for Talk Up Mental Health Awareness, has been an advocate for mental health since the tragic passing of her brother in 2017. She sought assistance from longtime friends Rhythm Blas, Nicole Ericcson, and Kira Cruz to launch the organization. “After my brother took his life, I was looking for answers as to why he would commit suicide,” said Moylan.

Moylan’s brother Ray Rabe tragically took his life on October 31, 2017. She was close with her younger brother. She said, “We were inseparable. When he passed away, I felt like a piece of me left with him.” Shortly after his passing, she wanted to bring awareness to mental health on Guam. That’s when she started TUMA. “It was a way to honor my brother and a way to keep his legacy alive by talking up mental health awareness.”

Moylan has had major support from her friends Rhythm Blas, Nicole Ericsson, and Kira Cruz. They have collectively come together to spread awareness throughout the community and to give hope to those that are fighting mental health illnesses. They all have the same common goal when it comes to mental health. They want to inspire and motivate the community to be open to talk about mental health awareness. It has also given them the motivation to talk about mental health. 

Kira Cruz, the Director of Finance described how much it meant to her to be a part of the TUMA team. “Mental health advocacy has always been an interest of mine since I’ve struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember,” Said Cruz. She also stated, “The true catalyst that gave me the push to advocate on a larger scale was when my nephew attempted to take his life last year. It was the most traumatizing experience of my life.” Cruz wanted to shed light on the importance of mental health because it was not talked about much when she was younger. She stated, “I did not receive the emotional support that I needed. From what I can recall, I have had depressive symptoms ever since I was in elementary school.” Cruz believes that TUMA has impacted her life in a good way. “TUMA has empowered me to not only advocate for mental health, but to also tell my story.”

You too can tell your story. You are not alone in the fight against mental health. There is a strong group of women that are there alongside you if you ever need to talk, vent, or feel like all hope is lost. If you want to advocate for mental health, you can take the pledge by supporting TUMA and be a part of creating positive change surrounding the topic of mental health. For more information about TUMA, go to https://tumaguam.com/.

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The Wednesday night market takes place in the beautiful village of Hagatña, the island’s capital. It is famously known as Chamorro Village. Guam residents witnessed the return of the Chamorro Village night market after a two year hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic. By the looks of things, it has not lost a beat.

Local residents, military, and even a few tourists showed their presence at a packed out Chamorro Village and they were ready to have a good time island style. Local resident Kiana Blas did her fair share of shopping, and enjoyed the Chamorro barbecue from local food vendors. Blas stated, “It’s exciting. It’s been two years too long, and the culture. It’s exciting to see everyone back, and the amazing food.” 

Speaking of food, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as 

A&L, Kris BBQ, 671 Kettle Corn, and Dikiki Donuts to name a few. There are also some nice novelty stores where you can purchase some nice Guam souvenirs. If you are bringing children along, they have a live carabao that the kids can ride for a small fee. 

The entire place was filled with excitement and the embracement of Guam’s culture was a beautiful sight to see. There were the traditional CHamoru dancers on one side, and on the other side there was live music led by local band Radiance. Lead singer Louise Muña says, “To see all the faces and the people dancing again. It’s so amazing to see them come out.” As they were singing some classic hits, they had everyone there dancing. Even to the point where people that were dancing got into formation to start doing the Electric Slide. They were one of the first bands to perform at Chamorro Village back in the 90s.  Check these ikaria lean belly juice reviews.

A lot of people know that most businesses were greatly affected by the pandemic. Some businesses even  had to close their doors permanently. Some of the usual businesses were not present at the reopening of the Wednesday night market. One of the businesses affected was Lorzalyn Artistry, a brand that is known for their henna designs, as well as face and body paint. “Honestly, it is our social media. We do have loyal customers that tend to pass the word down to each other,” says long time employee Aurora Gumataotao. A lot like Lorzalyn Artistry, the presence of social media has greatly benefitted local businesses. 

Despite a minor setback from Covid, the Chamorro Village night market is back like it never left. Food, fun, games, and an all around good time. It is a great place to become more familiar with Guam’s culture, or if you just want to get out of the house and have a good time. The reopening of the Wednesday night market just goes to show that Guam is headed in the right direction and it’s becoming Guam again.

This article was written as an assignment for CO-226: Media Writing.

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