Reileen's Blog

  Rabo holds her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the South Pacific. Picture: VAULINA RABO Graduate student Vaulina Rabo sets her sights on helping out people in her community after finally completing her five years of study at the University of the South Pacific (USP).  Rabo, who recently graduated this month, had received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Politics. Dedicating her achievement to her family and friends for their support over the years, Rabo said her final year at USP was very challenging, given that the COVID-19 had put her in a very challenging position: no laptop to do her pending assignments especially when the school library and labs were closed and she had to study from home.  “Learning in an environment outside of the university was very challenging as I didn’t have a laptop and I had to walk to the next village to look for one”, Rabo said. She said she had been using her phone, which led her to almost give up and put her final...

  “Each piece is very special to me and overall, it makes me feel happy and hopeful to see others enjoy it as well” - Lissette Yamase Lissette Yamase working in her art studio. Picture: LISSETTE YAMASE Lissette Yamase, a young Micronesian self-taught charcoal artist is making her way on the world stage. The 27-year old is known for her unique drawings that depict aspects of island cultures and stories across Micronesia. What she started now becomes a connection with her people who are inspired by her art and this urges her to pursue her art.   Lissette grew up on different islands in Micronesia: Palau, Saipan, Chuuk and Pohnpei. She attended Xavier High School in Chuuk and graduated in 2013. She moved to Oahu, Hawaii, to attend the University of Chaminade where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. She now works for a non-profit organization that does a variety of social services towards communities across Oahu where she helps community people looking fo...

From snorkeling in island waters to a voyage down the Challenger Deep - Nicole proves - the sky is the limit to what one can accomplish Nicole Yamase returns to Guam’s shore from the Challenger Deep voyage. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF GUAM  Nicole Hokulani Yamase, a Micronesian PhD candidate in the Marine Biology program at the University of Hawaii (UH) made history in March this year. She became the first Pacific islander and third woman to reach the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. On top of that, she also became the second youngest person to reach the bottom.  Nicole is now an inspiring role model for young Pacific women looking to get involved in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. She is also an intelligent, hardworking, incredible and very humble person who loves to share her accomplishments with her family, friends and community.  From snorkeling in island waters to UH Nicole was born in Pohnpei, Federa...