Roots: Yap, FSM High School: Yap Catholic High School College: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Major: Administration of Justice Status: Senior Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree Expected Graduation: 2027
Biography
Mogethin! My name is Marrisa Gilyoochen, and I was born and raised in the Municipality of Tamil in the State of Yap. I graduated from Yap Catholic High School in May 2021 and moved to Oʻahu in January 2022 to pursue my Associate’s degree in Administration of Justice at Honolulu Community College.
During my time at HCC, I’ve had the honor of serving as the Secretary of the Micronesian Wayfinders Club, where I’ve been able to connect with fellow students, celebrate our culture, and support one another in our educational journeys. I’m proud to say that I will be graduating next month, and I plan to transfer to either the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa or Chaminade University to continue my studies.
My ultimate goal is to attend law school, earn my degree, and return to my home island to serve and uplift my community. I am passionate about giving back and hope to inspire the younger generations in Yap to pursue education, explore opportunities beyond our shores, and eventually return home with the skills and knowledge to help our people and our island thrive.n.”
Mercedes takes pride in her deep passion for her occupational path and the joy of working with her community. She has been a part of numerous service programs and organizations including COM-FSM’s Teacher Corps, COM-FSM’s CFE, Micronesian Productions, Micronesian Youth Summit, UHM’s Pasifika Allies Association (PA’A), and the University Baptist Church. Additionally, Mercedes has been on the UHM’s Dean’s List since starting her program and has been actively involved in numerous Pacific Island clubs at UHM.
Inspiration
Before joining the Micronesian Wayfinders Club, I had never heard of Dr. Jojo. It wasn’t until I became a member and learned about him through my close friend Davis Martin – an active participant in W.A.O. -that I began to understand his story and impact. One thing that stood out to me about Dr. Jojo was his resilience. Despite experiencing a life-changing injury, he never gave up. He found a reason to keep going, and that showed me a powerful truth: “hard” doesn’t mean “impossible.” If Dr. Jojo could overcome such adversity and continue pushing forward, why can’t the rest of us?
His determination deeply inspires me. Like Dr. Jojo and many fellow Micronesians who have moved to Hawai‘i in search of a better life, I share a common background shaped by the values of perseverance and strength. Growing up on an island teaches you how to survive challenges because you live them every day. Nothing comes easy – we earn what we have. That sense of endurance, passed down from our elders, lives in us and guides us through every obstacle we face. There’s always a way.
Community Service Experience
Growing up, I always felt a strong desire to help others because I know what it’s like to have very little. That experience taught me empathy, and it’s what drives my passion for community service. To me, giving back is more than an act of kindness; it’s a way to bring people together, build connections, and uplift one another – especially as Micronesians living in a new and often unfamiliar place.
During high school in Yap, I found ways to contribute to my community whenever I could. I participated in town clean-up efforts, helping keep our shared public spaces clean for all Yapese people. I was also involved in church-led outreach programs, including delivering food to hospital patients who were sick and in need. On my days off from high school, I would return to my elementary school to assist teachers and support younger students in their learning.
After moving to Oʻahu, I joined the Micronesian Wayfinders Club at Honolulu Community College, where community service is one of our core pillars. Through the club, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in a variety of meaningful projects. We’ve hosted community leaders who shared their stories and wisdom with our members, organized fundraisers like food plate sales and raffles, and visited local high schools to speak with fellow Micronesian and Pacific Islander students about the importance of higher education. One of the projects I’m especially proud of is our scholarship workshop for recent high school graduates, designed to support and guide them in their transition to college.
Community service has always been a part of who I am, and I plan to continue giving back wherever I go. It’s not just about helping others – it’s about honoring where I come from and lifting up those who walk a similar path.
Leadership Experience
My journey in leadership began at home. When my parents separated, I stepped into a leadership role within my own family, helping to raise my three younger siblings. With a significant age gap between us, I took on the responsibility of guiding them, teaching them what I knew, and motivating them through the challenges we faced together. This early experience taught me that leadership isn’t always about holding a title – it’s about showing up, setting an example, and being someone others can rely on.
In high school, I continued developing my leadership skills through academics. I often took the lead on group projects, particularly in my Literature classes where we created video projects based on the books we read. I was usually the one planning how the scenes should be filmed, assigning roles, coordinating costumes, writing scripts, and editing the final video. These experiences strengthened my ability to organize, communicate, and collaborate with others.
Now, as the Secretary of the Micronesian Wayfinders Club at Honolulu Community College, I have taken on a more formal leadership role. I support our club president in planning meetings and events, coordinating projects, and ensuring our members stay informed and engaged. These experiences have not only helped me grow as a leader but also allowed me to give back to my community in meaningful ways.
Legacy Project
One project that I hope to leave as part of my legacy is focused on giving back to my home island of Yap by helping recent graduates make a smoother transition to college life in Hawai‘i. I remember when I first moved here, I was completely lost. I arrived just nine days before my first day of classes, and the overwhelming sense of uncertainty left me feeling hopeless at times. I struggled to find help, and I questioned my decision to move so far from home. But through perseverance, I made it through, and I’m grateful that I didn’t give up.
This experience fuels my desire to create a support system for other Micronesian students from Yap who are embarking on similar journeys. My goal is to help them transition with more ease, providing them with guidance, resources, and a sense of community. I want them to know they are not alone and that there is a network of people who care and are ready to help them succeed in their new home, far from the island they know.
Marrisa Gilyoochen
Meet the Scholars
Sponsor a Scholar
Roots: Yap, FSM
High School: Yap Catholic High School
College: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Major: Administration of Justice
Status: Senior
Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree
Expected Graduation: 2027
Biography
Mogethin! My name is Marrisa Gilyoochen, and I was born and raised in the Municipality of Tamil in the State of Yap. I graduated from Yap Catholic High School in May 2021 and moved to Oʻahu in January 2022 to pursue my Associate’s degree in Administration of Justice at Honolulu Community College.
During my time at HCC, I’ve had the honor of serving as the Secretary of the Micronesian Wayfinders Club, where I’ve been able to connect with fellow students, celebrate our culture, and support one another in our educational journeys. I’m proud to say that I will be graduating next month, and I plan to transfer to either the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa or Chaminade University to continue my studies.
My ultimate goal is to attend law school, earn my degree, and return to my home island to serve and uplift my community. I am passionate about giving back and hope to inspire the younger generations in Yap to pursue education, explore opportunities beyond our shores, and eventually return home with the skills and knowledge to help our people and our island thrive.n.”
Mercedes takes pride in her deep passion for her occupational path and the joy of working with her community. She has been a part of numerous service programs and organizations including COM-FSM’s Teacher Corps, COM-FSM’s CFE, Micronesian Productions, Micronesian Youth Summit, UHM’s Pasifika Allies Association (PA’A), and the University Baptist Church. Additionally, Mercedes has been on the UHM’s Dean’s List since starting her program and has been actively involved in numerous Pacific Island clubs at UHM.
Inspiration
Before joining the Micronesian Wayfinders Club, I had never heard of Dr. Jojo. It wasn’t until I became a member and learned about him through my close friend Davis Martin – an active participant in W.A.O. -that I began to understand his story and impact. One thing that stood out to me about Dr. Jojo was his resilience. Despite experiencing a life-changing injury, he never gave up. He found a reason to keep going, and that showed me a powerful truth: “hard” doesn’t mean “impossible.” If Dr. Jojo could overcome such adversity and continue pushing forward, why can’t the rest of us?
His determination deeply inspires me. Like Dr. Jojo and many fellow Micronesians who have moved to Hawai‘i in search of a better life, I share a common background shaped by the values of perseverance and strength. Growing up on an island teaches you how to survive challenges because you live them every day. Nothing comes easy – we earn what we have. That sense of endurance, passed down from our elders, lives in us and guides us through every obstacle we face. There’s always a way.
Community Service Experience
Growing up, I always felt a strong desire to help others because I know what it’s like to have very little. That experience taught me empathy, and it’s what drives my passion for community service. To me, giving back is more than an act of kindness; it’s a way to bring people together, build connections, and uplift one another – especially as Micronesians living in a new and often unfamiliar place.
During high school in Yap, I found ways to contribute to my community whenever I could. I participated in town clean-up efforts, helping keep our shared public spaces clean for all Yapese people. I was also involved in church-led outreach programs, including delivering food to hospital patients who were sick and in need. On my days off from high school, I would return to my elementary school to assist teachers and support younger students in their learning.
After moving to Oʻahu, I joined the Micronesian Wayfinders Club at Honolulu Community College, where community service is one of our core pillars. Through the club, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in a variety of meaningful projects. We’ve hosted community leaders who shared their stories and wisdom with our members, organized fundraisers like food plate sales and raffles, and visited local high schools to speak with fellow Micronesian and Pacific Islander students about the importance of higher education. One of the projects I’m especially proud of is our scholarship workshop for recent high school graduates, designed to support and guide them in their transition to college.
Community service has always been a part of who I am, and I plan to continue giving back wherever I go. It’s not just about helping others – it’s about honoring where I come from and lifting up those who walk a similar path.
Leadership Experience
My journey in leadership began at home. When my parents separated, I stepped into a leadership role within my own family, helping to raise my three younger siblings. With a significant age gap between us, I took on the responsibility of guiding them, teaching them what I knew, and motivating them through the challenges we faced together. This early experience taught me that leadership isn’t always about holding a title – it’s about showing up, setting an example, and being someone others can rely on.
In high school, I continued developing my leadership skills through academics. I often took the lead on group projects, particularly in my Literature classes where we created video projects based on the books we read. I was usually the one planning how the scenes should be filmed, assigning roles, coordinating costumes, writing scripts, and editing the final video. These experiences strengthened my ability to organize, communicate, and collaborate with others.
Now, as the Secretary of the Micronesian Wayfinders Club at Honolulu Community College, I have taken on a more formal leadership role. I support our club president in planning meetings and events, coordinating projects, and ensuring our members stay informed and engaged. These experiences have not only helped me grow as a leader but also allowed me to give back to my community in meaningful ways.
Legacy Project
One project that I hope to leave as part of my legacy is focused on giving back to my home island of Yap by helping recent graduates make a smoother transition to college life in Hawai‘i. I remember when I first moved here, I was completely lost. I arrived just nine days before my first day of classes, and the overwhelming sense of uncertainty left me feeling hopeless at times. I struggled to find help, and I questioned my decision to move so far from home. But through perseverance, I made it through, and I’m grateful that I didn’t give up.
This experience fuels my desire to create a support system for other Micronesian students from Yap who are embarking on similar journeys. My goal is to help them transition with more ease, providing them with guidance, resources, and a sense of community. I want them to know they are not alone and that there is a network of people who care and are ready to help them succeed in their new home, far from the island they know.