Attn: We Are Oceania (WAO), 720 North King St., Honolulu HI 96817ajojoscholars@gmail.com (808) 430-2017
Mercedes Olter
Roots: Pohnpei, FSM High School: Calvary Christian Academy, Pohnpei College: University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Major: Special Education Status: Senior Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree Expected Graduation: 2025
BIOGRAPHY
Mercedes Olter is a native of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). She attended school in Pohnpei until she graduated with her Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Pre-Teaching Preparation from the College of Micronesia-Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM) at the age of 18. From there, she took a semester off to work as a UNICEF Coordinator in one of COM-FSM’s student services offices, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE). While working with CFE, Mercedes applied to a Bachelor of Education (BEd) program at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UHM). She moved to Hawai’i in August 2023 to start the BEd program in Special Education-Extensive Support Needs (SPED-ESN) with a Pre-K-3 teaching licensure track. As a part of her program, Mercedes is required to student-teach in SPED classrooms at local Hawaiian elementary schools. This environment enables her to practice professionalism, sharpen her teaching skills, and grow in her passion to support students with ESN. Mercedes’s ultimate goal is to finish her education before returning home to the FSM and establishing a solid foundation of support for the FSM’s ESN population.
She writes, “This is something very important to me, as my younger brother is on the autism spectrum. Having experienced first-hand how difficult it can be when there is a distinct lack of resources for a loved one, I want to be able to assist families all over the FSM who have a similar situation.”
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
My main objective is to support the FSM’s ESN community. Naturally, I am extremely inspired by Dr. Joakim Peter’s dedication to promoting the rights of disabled individuals in the FSM. I actually had the opportunity to meet Dr. Peter when I was going into my sophomore year of high school. I was in Chuuk for the summer with my grandmother (who is an Education professor at COM-FSM) to attend an education workshop. At the time, I was still unsure about whether or not I truly wanted to pursue special education. However, upon meeting Dr. Peter and hearing his story, I began to consider a career in special education more seriously. Dr. Peter is a great example of how far a person can go, no matter the circumstance. It gave me a sense of hope for the future of the FSM’s special education system.
After conducting some research, I have learned even more inspiring stories about Dr. Peter. He was an advocate for the Chuuk Disabled Persons Organization and even helped the national government to help ratify a United Nations (UN) Convention to protect the rights of disabled persons. As a result of his work, there is now a national disability council with representatives from all of the FSM’s four states. They are known as the FSM disability council, and he is a founding member. Dr. Peter regularly advocated for awareness in our local communities, something I admire because of how important it is to the success of special education. In order for there to be solid support, there needs to be solid communication. We cannot expect change when we never talk about the issue. That may be the only way to start the effort to ensure that all members within our communities–no matter who they are–have access to community resources.
LEGACY PROJECT
Upon evaluating the list of possible legacy projects, I settled on two options for my legacy project. Since Micronesian Connections Association (MCA) is still in the process of becoming an official club at the University, I could use its formation as my legacy project. However, I do plan to volunteer once again for the next Micronesian Youth Summit led by We Are Oceania (WAO). I would be more than willing to participate in their planning committee. Therefore, I could also use that experience as my legacy project. Since moving away from home, I value harboring a connection with my fellow Micronesian brothers and sisters who are also far away from home. This connection has helped me feel comfortable in a new environment, and I want to be able to provide that for others! “Mercedes has always been responsible with meeting deadlines, providing quality work that has been well thought out, and adding a unique voice to discussions. Mercedes is confident in her abilities and yet, she accepts feedback readily and incorporates it into future learning experiences. Another strength is Mercedes ability to connect with others in a way that is engaging and fulfilling. She will make an outstanding educator!” – Kevin Wilkins (College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
Mercedes Olter
Roots: Pohnpei, FSM
High School: Calvary Christian Academy, Pohnpei
College: University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Major: Special Education
Status: Senior
Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree
Expected Graduation: 2025
BIOGRAPHY
Mercedes Olter is a native of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). She attended school in Pohnpei until she graduated with her Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Pre-Teaching Preparation from the College of Micronesia-Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM) at the age of 18. From there, she took a semester off to work as a UNICEF Coordinator in one of COM-FSM’s student services offices, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE). While working with CFE, Mercedes applied to a Bachelor of Education (BEd) program at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UHM). She moved to Hawai’i in August 2023 to start the BEd program in Special Education-Extensive Support Needs (SPED-ESN) with a Pre-K-3 teaching licensure track. As a part of her program, Mercedes is required to student-teach in SPED classrooms at local Hawaiian elementary schools. This environment enables her to practice professionalism, sharpen her teaching skills, and grow in her passion to support students with ESN. Mercedes’s ultimate goal is to finish her education before returning home to the FSM and establishing a solid foundation of support for the FSM’s ESN population.
She writes, “This is something very important to me, as my younger brother is on the autism spectrum. Having experienced first-hand how difficult it can be when there is a distinct lack of resources for a loved one, I want to be able to assist families all over the FSM who have a similar situation.”
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
My main objective is to support the FSM’s ESN community. Naturally, I am extremely inspired by Dr. Joakim Peter’s dedication to promoting the rights of disabled individuals in the FSM. I actually had the opportunity to meet Dr. Peter when I was going into my sophomore year of high school. I was in Chuuk for the summer with my grandmother (who is an Education professor at COM-FSM) to attend an education workshop. At the time, I was still unsure about whether or not I truly wanted to pursue special education. However, upon meeting Dr. Peter and hearing his story, I began to consider a career in special education more seriously. Dr. Peter is a great example of how far a person can go, no matter the circumstance. It gave me a sense of hope for the future of the FSM’s special education system.
After conducting some research, I have learned even more inspiring stories about Dr. Peter. He was an advocate for the Chuuk Disabled Persons Organization and even helped the national government to help ratify a United Nations (UN) Convention to protect the rights of disabled persons. As a result of his work, there is now a national disability council with representatives from all of the FSM’s four states. They are known as the FSM disability council, and he is a founding member. Dr. Peter regularly advocated for awareness in our local communities, something I admire because of how important it is to the success of special education. In order for there to be solid support, there needs to be solid communication. We cannot expect change when we never talk about the issue. That may be the only way to start the effort to ensure that all members within our communities–no matter who they are–have access to community resources.
LEGACY PROJECT
Upon evaluating the list of possible legacy projects, I settled on two options for my legacy project. Since Micronesian Connections Association (MCA) is still in the process of becoming an official club at the University, I could use its formation as my legacy project. However, I do plan to volunteer once again for the next Micronesian Youth Summit led by We Are Oceania (WAO). I would be more than willing to participate in their planning committee. Therefore, I could also use that experience as my legacy project. Since moving away from home, I value harboring a connection with my fellow Micronesian brothers and sisters who are also far away from home. This connection has helped me feel comfortable in a new environment, and I want to be able to provide that for others!
“Mercedes has always been responsible with meeting deadlines, providing quality work that has been well thought out, and adding a unique voice to discussions. Mercedes is confident in her abilities and yet, she accepts feedback readily and incorporates it into future learning experiences. Another strength is Mercedes ability to connect with others in a way that is engaging and fulfilling. She will make an outstanding educator!” – Kevin Wilkins (College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
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