GCC graduates 296 in Class of 2022

For the first time in three years, the Guam Community College resumed in-person graduation ceremonies, celebrating 296 students with the Class of 2022. 

At the University of Guam Calvo Field House on Friday, family, friends, prominent leaders, and educators gathered to congratulate a little over 290 students who walked in their cap and gowns across the big stage to pick up their hard-earned degrees. This was GCC's first traditional face-to-face gradation ceremony since 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commencement ceremonies were held via drive-through. 

Since the peak of COVID on the island, students and educators were forced to switch in-person instruction to virtual classes.

But, despite the many challenges posed on students by the ongoing global COVID pandemic, 296 students managed to graduate on time or within their scheduled goal.

Tiffani Aguon now has her associate degree in accounting.  She said, "The journey was long of course because of COVID, it kind of delayed things but I am glad we finally got to be here today to do it."

While noting COVID slowed things down and taking classes online was difficult, Aguon shared that she hopes to get her bachelors at UOG. 

GCC 2022's distinguished graduate, Tamika Marie Untalan Ballesta, shared the same challenges of Aguon but with support she was happy to get her associates in science, human services and certificate in family services.

"When the pandemic hit, it was really really challenging, we had to shift to virtual, teachers were trying to figure out like how they are going to teach us but honestly with the help and guidance of my professor, she was really really helpful so I didn't have that many challenges," she said.

"The journey has been super super great. It's been wonderful honestly with professors, friends, and family by like supporting me it's been really really great."

Liz Benavente Pajarillo who earned her associates of arts in education shared her excitement as she moves onto the next chapter of her life.  "It's awesome, I finally graduated!" she exclaimed.

"The pandemic, it was hard and was a challenge because of the transitioning from face to face to online then going back to face-to-face. That's really been difficult," she said.

Being an example for her child, Sharolin Kosam got her associates in criminal justice for her family and now, most importantly for her son.  "At first, I just wanted to do something more fulfilling for my family but now its for my baby. Everything I do now is for him," she said.

"I had a baby, so it was tough having to meet deadlines and trying to accommodate to work, and my baby so it's a big relief right now," she added, describing some of her challenges.

GCC President Dr. Mary Okada told the Class of 2022 to tackle the bumps in the road that lie ahead, announcing, "Face life challenges the same way we faced this pandemic: together."

KUAM Communications would like to congratulate the Class of 2022.