Attn: We Are Oceania (WAO), 720 North King St., Honolulu HI 96817ajojoscholars@gmail.com (808) 430-2017
Verlyne Meresbang
Roots: Meyuns & Ngkeklau, Palau High School: Mindszenty High School, Palau College: Eastern Oregon University Major: Anthropology / Sociology: Social Welfare Status: Junior Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree Expected Graduation: 2026
BIOGRAPHY
Verlyne Ngkeruker Meresbang (“Vie”) was born and raised in Palau and is from Meyuns and Ngkeklau. She graduated from Mindszenty High School in Koror where she served as Secretary then President of the MHS Student Body Association. She went on to earn her Associate of Science degree in Administration of Criminal Justice from Guam Community College in 2022, graduating as a member and Guam Chapter President of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology/Sociology, with emphasis in Social Welfare, and a minor in Psychology at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
Vie’s experience in youth advocacy work and community service engagement fostered a strong foundation for her passion in youth activism, social justice and social development. Her experiences further strengthened her interests which led to her decision to pursue her education in Sociology. All of these experiences and educational journeys have facilitated her personal research on social and contemporary issues within her community. She aims to better understand our unique islands and how we can improve the wellbeing of our communities and its people. “Being part of the A+JOJO Scholars program will enable me to fulfill all these educational, career and personal goals”, said Verlyne. ”It will also open doors for me to network and connect with other COFA brothers and sisters across the country and beyond, who are also passionate about implementing and supporting policies that foster growth and development within the COFA communities across the nation and continue the vision and legacy of late Dr. Jojo.”
Vie has been active in her community since early childhood. She was a traditional/contemporary dancer and continued to be involved while growing up, transitioning into teaching and managing dance groups and performing art programs within her village and nationally. Over the years, she became involved in numerous logistical and leadership roles in activities and events to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol addiction, anti- bullying, campus violence, climate change, promotion of clean environment, conservation, cultural awareness and preservation, promoting education and mental health awareness. She has also been active in supporting and working on policy development and initiatives that address issues affecting young people in numerous projects and events nationally and regionally. She has represented Palau’s youth on national, regional and international platforms to build capacities and represent the interests of young people in dialogues on health, social and cultural development.
Vie’s involvement in Nonprofit Organizations over the years began right after high school, where she served as President for Ngiwal Youth Association and representing them in national youth affairs. Her most notable contributions include being one of the Founding Members/ Incorporators and first Executive Officers of the Palau National Youth Council now known as the Palau National Youth and Cheldebechel Council, and then later became a member of the Pacific Youth Council General Assembly on behalf of Palau’s youth. She has represented Palau’s youth in various capacities within the Pacific region during her tenure as Secretary and Vice President of the National Youth Council. While attending community college, she was elected Guam Chapter President of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Guam Community College Council on Postsecondary Student Affairs, served on the Guam Community College Grievance Board and a member of the 13th class of APIA scholars and student mentors. After graduating with her AS, she returned home briefly to be with family and continued serving her community through different NGOs. She was elected and currently serves as the Treasurer of LAIIB Org. Palau, working to promote gender equality and inclusivity in Palau communities, and is also a member of the Education and Information Committee of the Family Planning program of the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
INSPIRATION
Dr. Peter is an inspiration in so many ways to many young Micronesians like myself. As Micronesians, we have seen adversity in many ways, shape or form throughout our quest for knowledge and success in the United States and beyond. The one strong aspect about Dr. Jojo’s experience and story that inspires me the most is his resilience. His sheer tenacity that kept him going after his unfortunate injury to accomplish his educational goals; the work he so passionately did for COFA nations despite its adverse impact on his life, reputation or relationships with others. Dr. Peter inspires me every day to live a life of love and kindness for others; to continue his legacy and share his story to motivate other aspiring young Micronesians. He inspires the young Palauan in me to continue striving to become something in my small community despite the difficulties and challenges that I may face. Through his life and legacy, I am impassioned to be the voice and strength for others who aspire to become contributing members of our COFA communities everywhere.
Dr. Peter is an inspiration to continue doing what I do for the purpose of making a difference- to passionately support and encourage the development of our COFA states because where we can stand together, united, is where we can successfully build strong people and strong communities.
LEGACY PROJECT
One of the issues I see as being tremendously important in today’s society is how mental health is viewed in the Pacific, especially in Micronesia because of our strong cultural connections and the stigma that is attached to mental health. While we are working to improve other services and provide more opportunities for young people in the region, what good is our efforts and hard work if majority of our young people don’t actually get the opportunity to benefit from them because they either become victims of suicide or resort to violence and drug and alcohol abuse that ultimately leads to poor choices. I feel that it is extremely important we address the existing mental health crisis within the region, build capacity and bridge resources to be available to any young Micronesian who is struggling with mental health issues. But, in order to effectively accomplish all of that, we first need adequate and reliable datas, information and statistics so that we can effectively understand this issue before we can address efficient solutions that will yield positive outcomes. Today, it is relatively hard to access reliable information, scholarly articles, datas and other resources pertaining to mental health and psychosis in the Micronesian region. Information and databases are scarce. This is partly due to many factors including our strong cultural values which makes it difficult to communicate about things like mental health and help people navigate the challenges they face everyday to fully understand this crisis. That has to change. I am currently working on a personal research study on social and contemporary issues in the region that affects people, particularly young people. By using my platform in these scholar groups to foster connections within our region, this will enable me to continue my research and work with a network of people to produce quality contents which will contribute to the availability of these information. Making this possible will allow more opportunities and resources on mental health awareness and mental health crisis to the COFA nations.
“Verlyne’s work ethic and drive are her strengths. She has unwavering devotion to our community which exemplifies strong moral fiber and character. She is a trustworthy hardworking individual and would be an excellent candidate for your program.” – Pilar Pangelinan, Guam Community College
Verlyne Meresbang
Roots: Meyuns & Ngkeklau, Palau
High School: Mindszenty High School, Palau
College: Eastern Oregon University
Major: Anthropology / Sociology: Social Welfare
Status: Junior
Pursuing: Bachelor’s Degree
Expected Graduation: 2026
BIOGRAPHY
Verlyne Ngkeruker Meresbang (“Vie”) was born and raised in Palau and is from Meyuns and Ngkeklau. She graduated from Mindszenty High School in Koror where she served as Secretary then President of the MHS Student Body Association. She went on to earn her Associate of Science degree in Administration of Criminal Justice from Guam Community College in 2022, graduating as a member and Guam Chapter President of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology/Sociology, with emphasis in Social Welfare, and a minor in Psychology at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
Vie’s experience in youth advocacy work and community service engagement fostered a strong foundation for her passion in youth activism, social justice and social development. Her experiences further strengthened her interests which led to her decision to pursue her education in Sociology. All of these experiences and educational journeys have facilitated her personal research on social and contemporary issues within her community. She aims to better understand our unique islands and how we can improve the wellbeing of our communities and its people.
“Being part of the A+JOJO Scholars program will enable me to fulfill all these educational, career and personal goals”, said Verlyne. ”It will also open doors for me to network and connect with other COFA brothers and sisters across the country and beyond, who are also passionate about implementing and supporting policies that foster growth and development within the COFA communities across the nation and continue the vision and legacy of late Dr. Jojo.”
Vie has been active in her community since early childhood. She was a traditional/contemporary dancer and continued to be involved while growing up, transitioning into teaching and managing dance groups and performing art programs within her village and nationally. Over the years, she became involved in numerous logistical and leadership roles in activities and events to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol addiction, anti- bullying, campus violence, climate change, promotion of clean environment, conservation, cultural awareness and preservation, promoting education and mental health awareness. She has also been active in supporting and working on policy development and initiatives that address issues affecting young people in numerous projects and events nationally and regionally. She has represented Palau’s youth on national, regional and international platforms to build capacities and represent the interests of young people in dialogues on health, social and cultural development.
Vie’s involvement in Nonprofit Organizations over the years began right after high school, where she served as President for Ngiwal Youth Association and representing them in national youth affairs. Her most notable contributions include being one of the Founding Members/ Incorporators and first Executive Officers of the Palau National Youth Council now known as the Palau National Youth and Cheldebechel Council, and then later became a member of the Pacific Youth Council General Assembly on behalf of Palau’s youth. She has represented Palau’s youth in various capacities within the Pacific region during her tenure as Secretary and Vice President of the National Youth Council. While attending community college, she was elected Guam Chapter President of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Guam Community College Council on Postsecondary Student Affairs, served on the Guam Community College Grievance Board and a member of the 13th class of APIA scholars and student mentors. After graduating with her AS, she returned home briefly to be with family and continued serving her community through different NGOs. She was elected and currently serves as the Treasurer of LAIIB Org. Palau, working to promote gender equality and inclusivity in Palau communities, and is also a member of the Education and Information Committee of the Family Planning program of the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
INSPIRATION
Dr. Peter is an inspiration in so many ways to many young Micronesians like myself. As Micronesians, we have seen adversity in many ways, shape or form throughout our quest for knowledge and success in the United States and beyond. The one strong aspect about Dr. Jojo’s experience and story that inspires me the most is his resilience. His sheer tenacity that kept him going after his unfortunate injury to accomplish his educational goals; the work he so passionately did for COFA nations despite its adverse impact on his life, reputation or relationships with others. Dr. Peter inspires me every day to live a life of love and kindness for others; to continue his legacy and share his story to motivate other aspiring young Micronesians. He inspires the young Palauan in me to continue striving to become something in my small community despite the difficulties and challenges that I may face. Through his life and legacy, I am impassioned to be the voice and strength for others who aspire to become contributing members of our COFA communities everywhere.
Dr. Peter is an inspiration to continue doing what I do for the purpose of making a difference- to passionately support and encourage the development of our COFA states because where we can stand together, united, is where we can successfully build strong people and strong communities.
LEGACY PROJECT
One of the issues I see as being tremendously important in today’s society is how mental health is viewed in the Pacific, especially in Micronesia because of our strong cultural connections and the stigma that is attached to mental health. While we are working to improve other services and provide more opportunities for young people in the region, what good is our efforts and hard work if majority of our young people don’t actually get the opportunity to benefit from them because they either become victims of suicide or resort to violence and drug and alcohol abuse that ultimately leads to poor choices. I feel that it is extremely important we address the existing mental health crisis within the region, build capacity and bridge resources to be available to any young Micronesian who is struggling with mental health issues. But, in order to effectively accomplish all of that, we first need adequate and reliable datas, information and statistics so that we can effectively understand this issue before we can address efficient solutions that will yield positive outcomes. Today, it is relatively hard to access reliable information, scholarly articles, datas and other resources pertaining to mental health and psychosis in the Micronesian region. Information and databases are scarce. This is partly due to many factors including our strong cultural values which makes it difficult to communicate about things like mental health and help people navigate the challenges they face everyday to fully understand this crisis. That has to change. I am currently working on a personal research study on social and contemporary issues in the region that affects people, particularly young people. By using my platform in these scholar groups to foster connections within our region, this will enable me to continue my research and work with a network of people to produce quality contents which will contribute to the availability of these information. Making this possible will allow more opportunities and resources on mental health awareness and mental health crisis to the COFA nations.
“Verlyne’s work ethic and drive are her strengths. She has unwavering devotion to our community which exemplifies strong moral fiber and character. She is a trustworthy hardworking individual and would be an excellent candidate for your program.” – Pilar Pangelinan, Guam Community College
Featured Interviews
Honoring Jojo
Jojo’s Life & Select Works