Rollie Enriquez

My name is “RJ” Rollie Enriquez and I am currently a sophomore pursuing a major in ITAM, specializing in network administration with a projected graduation date of 2021. I am also pursuing a minor in aerospace studies, hoping one day to potentially become a future U.S. officer for the world’s greatest Air Force. I am currently working in the CLCE as a community programmer, as well as apart of clubs such as Flying Wildcats and a nationally recognized chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I enjoy playing sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, as well as hitting the slopes with my snowboard.

 

I was born and raised in Bremerton, Washington. However, my family is originally from Micronesia and Asia. My father is from the village of Dededo on the island of Guam and my mother is from Tonowas, Chuuk. At an early age I was already introduced to culture clashes. Although my parents are both from islands in the Pacific Ocean, they do differentiate in different ways. Being born and raised on the mainland, I was obligated to adapt to each culture. I was raised learning not only American culture, but Chuukese, Chamorro, and Filipino culture as well. I was lucky to know a little bit of everything from each.

Some of the places I’ve traveled to are Guam, Hawaii, Chuuk, Oregon, California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Canada, Mexico, Utah, Illinois, and soon to be Louisiana. 

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My favorite part of getting to know different cultures is the cuisine and the people. I believe that food reflects on the culture and all it has been through, and it develops a common ground for individuals to relax and enjoy each other’s company. At the same time, the people are what keeps the culture alive. Seeing how they interact with each other and identifying the “dos and don’ts”- That’s what interests me. I think these are the factors that sets cultures aside from one another, as well as the factors that sets them similar to each other. During the spring immersion experience, I am looking forward to meeting new people and trying the delicious local cuisine, as well as immersing myself into learning the culture and humbly admiring the beauty and history of locations we are able to visit.