The Chuukese Student Organization is an organization formed for Chuukese students attending the University of Guam. Also known as CSO, the organization represents the culture of the Chuukese community. 

Regina Rokop is the current president of the organization. She has also held the role of vice president in Spring 2019. She has been a member of the organization for four years. 

“Our organization was meant to gather the Chuukese community within UOG to show the public that we can make a change,” Rokop said. “We want to show everyone that there is a different side of the Chuukese culture that not many will see, especially in Guam.”  

The organization was chartered for Chuukese students to help one another through their college career. Students who speak English as their second language can find comfort among other Chuukese students who speak the native tongue within this organization. 

Betofina Kostantino, a criminal justice major and member of the organization since Spring 2018, stated, “I feel comfortable being around the CSO members. I can speak my own language and share stories. I know other people who have opened up socially since they became active with the organization.” 

Yet the Chuukese Student Organization also seeks to tear down the negative image that has been brought upon the Chuukese community of Guam. They host activities and participate in other community projects to show others that they are more than the stereotypes associated with them. 

Suemay Alexander, English major and treasurer of the organization for Fall 2019, stated, “One of the goals for CSO was to be more involved with the community. We want to give back to the communities to show the public that we do want to be involved with these events.”

CSO volunteered in the One Healthy MicrONEsia 2K/5K. They helped out the runners and the coordinators of the 5K. The organization also held a booth at the Teen Life Expo. At this event, the members informed all students about their organization and what they have to offer.

CSO also participates in community events and showcasing their culture. They perform their cultural dances at events whenever they are offered to perform. One of the main events that they perform at is UOG’s annual Charter Day. 

During UOG’s annual Charter Day, the Chuukese Student Organization performs traditional and modern dances. In addition, every year, they build a hut for their organization. They won first place for their hut this year. 

Betofina Kostantino, a criminal justice major and member of CSO, said that she was proud of her fellow members that helped each other build the hut. She explained that they felt proud that they were still able to showcase their culture despite being away from their home [Chuuk]. 

“We were also able to show the people of Guam that we can achieve our goals and do take them seriously,” Kostantino said.  

Kostantino added: “CSO makes me feel comfortable whenever I am around everyone. I’m proud of this organization and would love for more of our goals to be achieved.” 

The organization also encourages its members and other students to speak out on issues, such as the tuition increase that affected the dorm fee as well. 

Rokop stated that one of the goals for CSO is to motivate members to become more active and involved in the tuition increase that also increases dorm fees. However, many members of CSO who stay in the dormitories did not protest to bring it down. She hopes that the organization will encourage their members by helping their voices be heard. 

CSO also hosts an event at the end of the semester called “Fun Night.” 

This event brings students together to celebrate the end of a hard-working semester.