A STUDENT and a full-time McDonald’s crewmember, John Michael Navarro never thought that his perseverance and hard work would be noticed by his superiors.
“I just go to work and do the best that I can. After work, I have to attend my classes and I just do my best,” he said.
After working at McDonald’s Chalan Laulau for a year, his superiors and team mates saw how dedicated he is.
In December 2022, Navarro was named McDonald’s Employee of the Year-Chalan Laulau branch.
The award’s criteria include attendance, performance, attitude, friendliness, initiative and willingness to learn. The winner receives exclusive McDonald’s merchandise, $10 gift certificate to Regal Cinema, and over $200.
Navarro never thought about receiving an award for doing his job, he said, adding that he was focused on maintaining a professional relationship with his team mates.
“We work as a team here. Each member is very important and so I respect everyone I work with,” he said.
Joyce Asistores, McDonald’s Saipan general manager, said Navarro is an excellent employee who easily adapts to any situation.
“His hard work and adaptability make him an all-around employee,” Asistores added.
For Navarro, doing his best means not complaining about the tasks given to him and working well with his team.
“We must do our part as members of a team,” he said.
Navarro believes in positivity. Whenever he approaches customers, he makes sure he greets them with a smile.
“Just start the day by being positive. If there are challenges, we can overcome them with positivity,” he said.
He said seeing his superiors and teammates working hard also motivates him.
“I am surrounded by amazing people. I work with great personalities, and they motivate me to do good in what I do. If the person I am working with is hyped up, I am also hyped up,” he said.
He is grateful to McDonald’s for recognizing his hard work.
“I have grown as an individual in this company. McDonald’s has taught me the skills required at every station: beverage, order taker, cashier, grill, among many others. And I have experienced true friendships in my workplace,” Navarro said.
The future
He intends to complete his studies and become a nurse.
“It is my dream to become a nurse. I have good plans for myself and my family and I just want to achieve them one step at a time,” Navarro said.
He said he does not mind working full time while studying hard to achieve good grades.
“I will stay positive so I can achieve my goals. I am grateful to my family and friends for the support that they give me,” he said.
He wants to thank the following special people in his life: Jocas Barrera, Francis Borinaga, Albrett Alcaraz, Alan and John Lester Dolotina, and his parents Dina Regua and Ricardo Coper. He is also grateful to his brothers Dereck and Ridintor Coper, and his good friend Norbert Sulapas.
He said he owes his success in his work to Myrna Pagcu, Emma Lumbad, Alma Valdex and Nena Babauta.
He is also grateful to Rachel Villasis.
John Michael Navarro
