---

Kosrae and Yap Upward Students Visit President Mori

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): April 7, 2011 - 38 Upward Bound students from Kosrae and Yap spent a week at the college of Micronesian-FSM Palikir Campus, visited the FSM Capitol and met with President in the President's Cabinet Room on March 30, 2011.

The purpose of the program among other things is to provide an opportunity to the participants to experience college lifestyle by staying in the dormitories, attending and observing classes, eating at the cafeteria, studying at the COM-FSM Library as well as getting the feel of what college life entails. With that exposure, it is hoped that their desire for a college education will ensure a successful and prosperous life in the future, said Morgan Jones, Director Upward Bound in Kosrae.

President Mori welcomed the students to the President's Office and offered them words of encouragement regarding their pursuit of higher education. He encouraged them to consider working at home after college, especially at the private sector. He further explained to the students that the private sector also needs well educated citizens for the FSM to thrive.

The students asked the President a number of questions including how long he has been in office and whether being a president is difficult. The President told the students that there are always some difficulties and challenges that come with being the president. The expectations of the people and other leaders and the knowledge that the country counts on you to do a great job is an enormous responsibility.

The students visit was sponsored by the Upward Bound programs in the states of Kosrae and Yap with funding from TRIO Program under US Department of Education.

The students were accompanied by 6 chaperones from Kosrae and 3 from Yap. While in Pohnpei , the students toured the Governor's office, Micronesian Seminar, and Pohnpei Family Clinic, and participated in some of the cultural day activities that were held on March 31, 2011.