In an intimate dinner at Ilang Ilang Restaurant, Delegate Kanai and Sungino talked to some 14 high school graduates from Palau High School, Emmaus High School and Mindszenty High School about the importance of college education.
“I have been doing this program since I became a delegate of Ngaraard,” said Kanai. “Every graduation, I invite graduates from Ngaraard to dinner and have someone talk to them and share with them how college life is and how important education is.”
Sungino was his guest of honor for this year’s dinner.
“I believe that if they hear from people like Techong, these kids will get an idea of what to expect from college. At the same time, I want them to know that a good education has become very important to young Palauans.”
Sungino graduated from Mindszenty High School in 1997 and went to California for his Bachelor degree in Psychology and Fine Arts. He had his masters in Counseling Psychology in Boston and now taking up his Doctorate in Health Psychology in Japan. In 2002, the State Legislature adopted a resolution commending Sungino for his academic accomplishments.
During dinner, Sungino shared his college experiences, saying college is not so much about getting good grades, because anyone is capable of getting As, as it is about knowing yourself. Living alone, away from family and being faced with many temptations are just among the many challenges that a college student faces.
“Get some formal education, but at least have a good time too. That’s very important,” said Sungino.
Sungino is back in Palau for one month to do a feasibility study on the Health Perception on Quality of Life Palauans. “To see if my research design is applicable and feasible to Palauan setting,” he said. “I’m basically trying to understand how Palauans perceive health, the kinds of decisions they make regarding health in general.”
Kanai said he’s doing the program as a way of paying it forward because during his time, he was also treated to dinner and given advice by Chief of Staff Isaac Soaladaob, who was then working for Foreign Affairs.
“He gave me valuable advice that helped me get through college life,” Kanai shared.
//
