Meet SPIO's 2021 Extracurricular Scholarship Recipient, Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron
SPIO's 2021 Extracurricular Scholarship Recipient, Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron. Courtesy of Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron.
Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron is the recipient of the $5,000 2021 SPIO Extracurricular Scholarship.
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Feminist and Gender Studies, Pre-Med Track
Undergraduate University: Colorado College
Bio: Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron (he/him/his) (Familian Eka yan Baliga) is an indigenous CHamoru from the island of Guåhan. He is from the central village of Tamuning and is currently a sophomore at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Vicente intends to pursue a degree in Feminist and Gender Studies while on the pre-health track. His ultimate career goal is to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and provide quality care for CHamoru womxn that infuses indigenous values and is conscious of the injustices that are inherent with colonization. When he is not studying, Vicente enjoys participating in various civic initiatives including the Guam Youth Congress and Young Democrats of Guam where he has spearheaded legislation to protect ancestral land throughout the mariånas. He is an avid Taylor Swift fan and loves watching Netflix when he has time.
“Gracias adios para todu I bendision. Saina Ma’åse’ Nåna yan Tåta para todu i bida-mu. Sen Dångkulu’ na Si Yu’us Ma’åse familia. Hu sen guaiya hao todu! Thank you God for all of the blessing you have bestowed upon me. Thank you Mom and dad for everything you do. Thank you to my family. I love you all!” Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron
Why is it important to have Pasifika representation in higher education?
Pacific Islander Representation in higher education is paramount because it allows for PI issues, values, topics to be amplified and spread. As a minority within a minority our issues and concerns rarely take center stage, however, with more Islanders pursuing education our youth become more empowered to speak their mind and provide reasonable rationales that are credible and inherently consist of cultural values like humility and empathy which is something the world is severely lacking.
SPIO's 2021 Extracurricular Scholarship Recipient, Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron. Courtesy of Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron.
How is this scholarship impacting your education?
The SPIO Extracurricular Scholarship assists me in affording and attaining a liberal arts education that will help teach me the importance of flexibility and intersectionality amongst various academic disciplines. This opportunity holds me accountable to my people and helps set a standard to strive for success and give my all for the sake of Pasifika.
What are your career and education goals?
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Feminist and Gender Studies while on the pre-health track. I aspire to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and provide quality healthcare to CHamoru womxn that is conscious of colonial injustices and considerate of cultural values.
Any tips to students applying for scholarships?
When writing your scholarship essays go beyond talking solely about you and your achievements. Try to weave in how those achievements were shaped by the work of your ancestors and your descendants. Think about how the PI community influenced and inspired you.