Please meet Autumn Yatar, an Oceanview Middle School(OMS) graduate, now studying Business Administration at the University of Guam (UOG). I hope you get inspired as much as I did!
Background: This is the impetus of an Oceanview Middle School Alumni Project I am launching to bridge the understandings and connections of those who have gone before us to lead in their respective studies and fields of work. Oceanview has been blessed with a very talented pool of students bestowed on the Agat, Santa Rita and Umatac villages over the years due to the warm and friendly and talented people of these communities. Together, we can build a network of understanding from our studies and fields of interest to create an even stronger and more robust community, for years and generations to come. With this launch, let’s adopt and adapt to a mindset of mentorship and nurturing of our future generations, so that this island and more specifically, the Oceanview and Southern communities, can gain from our shared insights and experiences. Best Wishes! Ms. Patty Blas
Oceanview Alumni Project
- What is your major? Business Administration- Professional Pathway at the University of Guam
- Why did you choose this major? What do you see yourself doing in the future? I chose this major due to its versatility. A business degree can be applied to many industries, and I felt that it would not limit me to one career or a specific field. In the future, I see myself doing something in digital marketing, and owning my own business.
- Speed 20 Questions: Please provide short/one-word answers when asked these questions
- Full Name: Autumn Yatar
- Age: 21
- Village: Sånta Rita-Sumai
- Schools you went to: Mt. Carmel Catholic School, Harry S. Truman Elementary, Oceanview Middle School, Southern High School, and the University of Guam.
- Family/Village origins of your parents: Dad: Sånta Rita-Sumai. Mom: Colorado, USA.
- Favorite Place to hang out in Guam: Home
- Favorite Restaurant: Sejong Korean Restaurant & my dad’s house
- Favorite Sport: Football (Soccer)
- Favorite Person in this whole world right now: My boyfriend, Erin.
- Favorite Fruit: Mango!!
- Favorite Vegetable: Brussels sprouts
- Favorite drink: Matcha latte
- Favorite band: Sleep Token
- Favorite movie: The movie “Shrek”
- Favorite thing to read (book name, magazine, blogsite, smartphone app): The subtle art of not giving a F*ck!
- Favorite social media platform: Instagram
- Favorite song: Swan Upon Leda: Hozier
- Favorite thing to do on a Friday night: Eat and sleep
- Favorite country or place to visit: I loved San Diego! I am looking forward to visiting Japan and the Philippines later this year.
- Please tell me your best memory of Oceanview. I met my best friend there. We are going on over 10 years of friendship.
- Who did you hang out with and where on campus did you hang out the most? I hung out with my best friend, Janica Salcepuedes. We hung out in the middle hallway/center area.
- Any suggestions for OMS students as their mentor and friend on what you wish you would have known at their age? Be authentic in everything you do. Be proud of who you are and live your life pursuing the things that make you happy. The opinions of others do not matter; the opinion you hold of yourself holds far greater meaning and value than you realize.
- What made you decide to go to college? I love education and I love to learn. Your knowledge can never be taken away from you. Invest in yourself, your mind, and your life.
- If you were to name 3-5 of your best supporters of your college career, who would they be and why? Erin Quintanilla, my boyfriend, who encourages me and reminds me of my strengths, greatness, and accomplishments. Anthony Yatar, my dad, who believes in me and wants me to succeed in my educational goals. Cecilia Yatar, my grandmother, who, from beyond the living earth, encourages and inspires me to be my best and achieve all that I put my mind and heart to.
- What environments are enabling you to do your best work as a student? The library, a social club, a café, a favorite restaurant, home, a mentor program? Sometimes I find it critical to leave my home environment due to being too comfortable there. I used to go to various cafes to do work, but studying at the UOG campus is also effective for me. If I am working on schoolwork at home, I need to be in a quiet environment, free from external distractions.
- What communication channels do you most prefer for engaging with faculty or staff? What about with other students? Typically, I prefer oral communication and face-to-face environments for learning. I also enjoy using WhatsApp or email to keep a written record of responsibilities or tasks to be completed. WhatsApp has also been crucial to communicating with my classmates and other students about school projects and events.
- If you could change one thing about UOG, what would it be? I wish for a cafeteria with food options and for a place to study and do work late into the night. The campus does not have a cafeteria for students and does not have a wide selection of food available for students to purchase on campus. Also, the colleges and the library close early in the evening, so students who may want to work on homework or study late at night are not able to do so on campus.
- When you look back to your friends from high school, would you recommend UOG? Why or why not? I would recommend UOG if students are looking for affordable education and the opportunity to earn a college degree. Also, I would recommend it to those who want to stay home in our island community. Review the university’s catalog and determine if you are able to get a degree following your interests. This is a great place to meet new people and network locally.
- Any last advice or anecdote you’d like to say to those following in your footsteps or are looking at college? Your life needs to be tailored to you and for you. Invest in your education and in your life. Focus on your goals, heal and protect your relationship with yourself, and live your life in the pursuit of your own happiness and excitement.
Ice Cream Banana 