ON THE COVER (Continued from page 4)
up the book and he chose the story about a group of orphaned tribal women, their struggles and survivals. “They were laughing and smiling,” he says about the audience when he narrated the story in the best possible way he could. His love for theatrical arts and speech forensics was evident even as a child. “I guess I enjoy those kinds of activities because I love being with people. Performing a piece you’ve practiced for so long feels better when shown in front of a crowd. But I can never feel good about having performed a piece I barely practiced which is definitely why I can’t perform impromptu performances or join any sport activities, even if I do enjoy them a lot. I usually perform badly under pressure,” he says. He also loves singing and is a regular singer at the 11 a.m. Sunday mass at the Mount Carmel Cathedral. He credits his mother and others who prayed for his NFL victory. “Definitely,” he says when asked if his mother’s relentless prayers helped him in the competition. “Including prayers and moral support from the CNMI Team and everyone else back in Saipan. Without the support of everyone, I would have never made it that far and enjoyed every bit of it.” Like so many others before him, John Edward also experienced losses but as a seasoned NFL competitor, it’s the joy of telling a story to the crowd that keeps him going. “If ever you don’t win, don’t take it seriously. NFL, like reading, is a learning experience that can be developed. I’ve had my share of losses. But in the end, I’ve emerged as the first NFL champion from the CNMI. So just have fun with it. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely fun,” he says. Goal Oriented These days, John Edward keeps himself busy preparing for his goal to be admitted to the U.S. Air Force Academy, or in any of the military branches. With his vision no longer 20/20, he’s ditching his dream of becoming a pilot for a degree in engineering through the military. “I will try to enlist in the air force,” he says. He describes himself as “just a normal guy who likes to stick to the rules.” But what sets him apart from his peers
AUGUST 2011
“If ever you don’t win, don’t take it seriously. NFL, like reading, is a learning experience that can be developed. I’ve had my share of losses,” says Elenzano.