THIS is in response to Mr. Antonio Torres’s letter to the editor last June 21.
Reading your article you stated that my parents did not encourage me to attend the university under the JSA program. With all due respect Mr. Torres they did! Actually they were the ones who persuaded me to sign up and try it out. I personally took the challenge to see if I could be selected, and I did.
However, there are more things in life to qualify as one’s chances in a lifetime. Realizing the amount of money needed to participate in this program, I talked it over with my parents to save the money for my future educational plans. The fund that the government donated for this program could be better used to assist our school system. In this way more students can benefit rather than selfishly thinking of “My once in a life time opportunity.”
I believe that the experience I would benefit out of the JSA Program is educationally enhancing. I also believe that the JSA Program offers subjects that could be learned locally and during my future college years. The only thing I would miss is the ostentatious setting. However, let me ask you something Mr. Torres: Do you consider this a once in a lifetime opportunity? I believe not! I have my college agenda laid out for me and I need all the money to save to support it. My focus at this point in time is to learn the basic essence of government, and that I could learn from our local instructors, politicians, and my fascinating parents.
I have been learning a lot about the real world at this point in time. I am very fortunate to have a set of parents who are fairly educated and well spirited. And with this, I am taking advantage of their love and knowledge while I still have them. I consider this a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” Yes, I understand that I can be motivated by having to be part in the JSA Program; however, I believe I am motivated enough to fulfill my intended goals.
Once again, for our government and those generous people who donated money to make it possible for those selected students to attend the universities under the JSA Program, thank you!
Lastly, Mr. Torres, I don’t want to make this a big issue so with all the respect in the world I just want to say, “Different Strokes for Different Folks!”CATHERINE CEPEDA
As Matuis, Saipan
