After receiving her degree from Northern Marianas College, Danielle Coloma joined the long list of NMC alumni contributing to the CNMI’s local workforce. Coloma is now a valued member of the Triple J family, serving as an Accountant for Triple J Five Star Saipan. In this role, she manages various responsibilities, including financial reporting, record keeping, and budgeting & forecasting, alongside other essential tasks such as document filing and processing payments.
When reflecting on her time at NMC, Coloma sees her education as a crucial step in furthering her career in accounting.
"NMC provided me with the necessary education needed for my current occupation due to the availability of the major," Coloma said. "I took accounting classes at NMC that I was able to implement in my occupation, and I'm sure what I've learned will continue to assist me in the future as well."
In addition to her education, she also highlights the extracurricular activities she was able to participate in, which enriched her college experience.
"My favorite times at NMC would have to be the student activities held throughout the semester. I especially loved PROA Paint Night at the Colors Night Studio, and I've kept every single painting from that time to this day," Coloma said.
Coloma was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Beta Delta, honor societies that recognize academic excellence in higher education.
When discussing her motivation for pursuing her degree and current career path, she emphasized her support system and the affordability of the quality education offered at NMC.
"My family and friends have always been my biggest support throughout my college years. They motivated me to push through the hardest days. Because of that, I chose NMC to be close to my support system, as well as the affordability of the college," Coloma said.
Coloma's journey to her current position began at NMC, where she earned her AAS in Business Administration with an Accounting Emphasis in 2019 before graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an Accounting Concentration in 2022.
As she transitioned into the workforce following her graduation, Coloma described working alongside experienced professionals as the most rewarding aspect of her job as an Accountant.
"The most rewarding aspect has been working with others in the same field and learning from their years of experience. I'm constantly amazed by the knowledge of my coworkers. I have to remind myself that everyone has a starting point, and it's through hard work and continued growth that they were able to reach their current positions," Coloma said.
Coloma also shared a message with other students who are currently pursuing higher education.
"Be willing to learn. If you don't have the motivation to gain the knowledge needed for this career, it will be difficult in the long run. If you open your mind to the numbers and processes, it will eventually flow through you with ease," Coloma said.
She added, "Don't be afraid to ask questions. You're in college to learn and pursue a career in that field. Without asking questions, you're closing off a good opportunity for growth. Ask your instructors, friends, or family in the same or similar field to explain in further detail if you require a better understanding of the topic."
"It's never too late to start pursuing higher education. Life is about learning and the knowledge we pass down to future generations. It's not going to be an easy path, but no matter what, never back down and never give up."