Pacific Islanders complete JSA Stanford Summer School

This year, at Stanford, over 100 high school students from across the globe completed a three-week summer course in International Relations, A.P Government, Macroeconomics, and Speech and Political Communications. Teenagers from over 40 states and 12 U.S territories were among the group of participating students.

Representing the CNMI was Elvie Mesngon from Rota’s Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School and Thomas Manglona II from Mount Carmel School. Both students received full scholarships from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the JSA to attend the program.

Mesngon and Manglona received their official diplomas on Sunday at the graduation ceremony held at Stanford University’s Jordan Hall.

Mesngon, an incoming senior, described the experience as unforgettable. “Having the opportunity to attend the JSA Program is something I will never forget. I was faced with many challenges in just three weeks, attending an AP U.S. Government Class while having a debate class at the same time, but I managed to pull through. It was a really great experience. I got to meet many people around the states and territories that I will never forget as well,” she said. 

The JSA Stanford program featured rigorous college level classes that had students complete mid-term assessments, debates, speeches, a 15-page term paper, and a final exam. Students also celebrated JSA Cultural Day and toured the city of San Francisco. 

Students also listened to presentations by distinguished speakers such as Chief Administrative Law Judge Karen V. Clopton and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s chief of staff Georgia Godfrey. 

Before attending the official three-week program, students from the territories completed a one-week mandatory prep-program. JSA Congressional Workshop Professor Vickie Ellis and Professional Registered Parliamentarian David Mezzera helped prepare the students from the islands for the intense program.

Students from America Samoa, U.S Virgin Islands, and Guam also participated in the monthlong summer school.

“This program not only expanded my knowledge, but it introduced me to some amazing people from around the world,” U.S Virgin Island’s student Resham Mirpuri said. “I have made memories for life that I can look back on and cherish.”

Guam student Elisa Rapadas expressed similar sentiments. “When I came here, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous when I first arrived, but everyone made me feel comfortable right away,” she said. “Even though I’ve only known everyone for three weeks, I feel like I’ve known them my whole life. In addition, I learned important public speaking and leadership skills that I can use for the rest of my life.”

One of the Resident Assistants, Allyssa Arangorin, a Saipan native and a student at the University of San Francisco, said she enjoyed seeing how the program changed the students in a matter of weeks.

Arangorin, a JSA Stanford 2010 and JSA China 2011 alumna, added, “Being a student in the program and a resident advisor is very different. I had no idea I would impact the lives of students and the students would impact me. The Junior Statesmen of America changed my life.”

JSA Stanford Summer School Director Steve Bayne told Saipan Tribune that one of the purposes of the program is to bring students who would not have the opportunity to interact with mainland students onto campus. He said, “We aim to give them a different cultural experience in a different academic capacity.”

Bayne added that territory students continue to perform well every year in the program.