Homeland: Chuuk High School: Xavier High School College: Sonoma State University Major: Political Science Status: Freshman Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree
Biography
Givanleine Katsuta is originally from the outer islands of Chuuk and graduated from Xavier High School…the same school that Dr. Jojo attended. She is attending Solano Community College in Northern California majoring in political science. Her long-term goal is to return to her homeland of Chuuk, FSM to work in the government to create a safe environment for everyone, change the corrupted ways in politics, improve the education system like Dr. Jojo did, and to ensure a better future for the citizens of Chuuk. She considers herself “driven and determined to complete my education here in the U.S., then go back home to achieve my goals.”
Her education at Xavier High School also influenced her greatly in being “a woman for others” in her daily life as a daughter and sister to serve her family according to her Chuukese culture and traditions. That spirit of service also influences her as an employee to work hard and accomplish tasks on time. Eventually, she wants to be a good mother and wife who will take good care of her family. She values serving her community now and after completing her education.
The only hindrance to achieving her educational goal is financial. With this scholarship, “I will be a college graduate with a degree in Political Science from the islands of Chuuk, Micronesia. Dr. Jojo inspired me that although I come from nothing, I am capable of doing something with my life.”
Inspiration
As a young Chuukese woman from the outer island of Losap, voicing my opinions and ideas is a sign of disrespect, especially to my elders. In the late Dr. Jojo’s case, in a land full of racism and discrimination towards the Micronesian community, he too must have struggled to let his voice be heard. The late honorable Dr. Joakim Peter is well known for his accomplishments in putting the Micronesian community in Hawaii on the map to success. He paved the way for many people of all ages, such as myself, and proved the stereotype that all Micronesians are ‘small-minded’ and uneducated as nothing but mere rumors and false claims. Dr. Jojo not only became the voice of the Micronesian community in Hawaii, but also went on as proving that his disability would not stop him from achieving success. The term ‘Kichability’ that he came up with portrays the Micronesian sense and belief of togetherness and teamwork. It also shows us the hidden message that he wishes for us to fully grasp and understand: ‘You are capable’. Even in his wheelchair, he was able to touch the hearts of many people; he was able to graduate with not one, but two master’s degrees then later on, his doctoral degree; he was able to join an organization and improve the education system all over the Pacific. With these accomplishments and successes of his, I know that I, too, am capable of success.
Legacy Project
I wish to join and help the A+JOJO Scholars with planning for the annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) conference at the University of Hawaii in Hilo. According to the website, the conference is mainly for high school students as a way to encourage them to continue their education, form connections with their peers, as well as their people, and ensure that they may strive for a higher education such as enrolling in college for their upcoming years. I wish to join this important event as a way to encourage myself by listening to ted talks by each and every member of this project. I believe that I will also learn a lot from this conference and gain more experience with leadership and planning an event such as this.
Givanleine Katsuta
Meet the Scholars
Sponsor a Scholar
Homeland: Chuuk
High School: Xavier High School
College: Sonoma State University
Major: Political Science
Status: Freshman
Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree
Biography
Givanleine Katsuta is originally from the outer islands of Chuuk and graduated from Xavier High School…the same school that Dr. Jojo attended. She is attending Solano Community College in Northern California majoring in political science. Her long-term goal is to return to her homeland of Chuuk, FSM to work in the government to create a safe environment for everyone, change the corrupted ways in politics, improve the education system like Dr. Jojo did, and to ensure a better future for the citizens of Chuuk. She considers herself “driven and determined to complete my education here in the U.S., then go back home to achieve my goals.”
Her education at Xavier High School also influenced her greatly in being “a woman for others” in her daily life as a daughter and sister to serve her family according to her Chuukese culture and traditions. That spirit of service also influences her as an employee to work hard and accomplish tasks on time. Eventually, she wants to be a good mother and wife who will take good care of her family. She values serving her community now and after completing her education.
The only hindrance to achieving her educational goal is financial. With this scholarship, “I will be a college graduate with a degree in Political Science from the islands of Chuuk, Micronesia. Dr. Jojo inspired me that although I come from nothing, I am capable of doing something with my life.”
Inspiration
As a young Chuukese woman from the outer island of Losap, voicing my opinions and ideas is a sign of disrespect, especially to my elders. In the late Dr. Jojo’s case, in a land full of racism and discrimination towards the Micronesian community, he too must have struggled to let his voice be heard. The late honorable Dr. Joakim Peter is well known for his accomplishments in putting the Micronesian community in Hawaii on the map to success. He paved the way for many people of all ages, such as myself, and proved the stereotype that all Micronesians are ‘small-minded’ and uneducated as nothing but mere rumors and false claims. Dr. Jojo not only became the voice of the Micronesian community in Hawaii, but also went on as proving that his disability would not stop him from achieving success. The term ‘Kichability’ that he came up with portrays the Micronesian sense and belief of togetherness and teamwork. It also shows us the hidden message that he wishes for us to fully grasp and understand: ‘You are capable’. Even in his wheelchair, he was able to touch the hearts of many people; he was able to graduate with not one, but two master’s degrees then later on, his doctoral degree; he was able to join an organization and improve the education system all over the Pacific. With these accomplishments and successes of his, I know that I, too, am capable of success.
Legacy Project
I wish to join and help the A+JOJO Scholars with planning for the annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) conference at the University of Hawaii in Hilo. According to the website, the conference is mainly for high school students as a way to encourage them to continue their education, form connections with their peers, as well as their people, and ensure that they may strive for a higher education such as enrolling in college for their upcoming years. I wish to join this important event as a way to encourage myself by listening to ted talks by each and every member of this project. I believe that I will also learn a lot from this conference and gain more experience with leadership and planning an event such as this.