Gates Millennium Scholar from Yap to Attend National Campus

COLONIA, Pohnpei (August 4, 2012) - Ms. Prescilla M. Mangarfir will be attending the College of Micronesia-FSM National Campus as a new student during fall 2012. Ms. Mangarfir, a recent graduate from Yap High School is also the only recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship from Yap. She is also the valedictorian at the Yap High School graduation and at the Yap Upward Bound Program.

Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient Prescilla Mangarfir

Ms. Mangarfir is a resident of Atliw Fanif Village and the eldest daughter of Mr. John Mangarfir and Mrs. Elizabeth Galmulfel. She is a first generation college student and plans on majoring in Health Career Opportunity Program at the National Campus. She plans to graduate from the COM-FSM with a degree in nursing. After COM-FSM, Ms. Mangarfir intends to transfer to the University of Guam to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She plans to end her education at the American University of the Caribbean medical training program. According to her, the American University of the Caribbean has one of the best student services and an excellent medical training. She wants to become a doctor someday specializing in internal medicine with the hope to return to Yap as a medical doctor to give back to Yap.

Ms. Mangarfir attributes her performance in school to her family as well as the Upward Bound Program at Yap Campus. She said the UB Program recruited some of the best teachers who provided tutoring programs for her during Saturdays and summers. Through the program counseling sessions, Ms. Mangarfir developed her study skills, time management and scheduling of tasks.

When asked how she feels about her accomplishments, Ms. Mangarfir said she is “not exited, not sad, neutral I guess.” She said she is thankful for the opportunity for a better future. She hopes to start a new foundation in her life during her studies in Pohnpei since it will be her first time to stay away from her home.

Ms. Mangarfir said her parents advised her to stay focused and to have a good relationship with God.