Micah Seiri Maur, an International Studies (IS) junior at Far Eastern University (FEU), is looking forward to the Spring semester in Missouri State University (MSU). They are among four principals from the Philippines who are admitted to the US Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD Program).
“I am looking forward to the experience at MSU as well as Midwest culture,” said Micah, who also uses the pronouns they and them. “I hope to show [others in the program] not only Philippine culture but also the Filipino provincial experience as well.”
They are a product of public education, having graduated with high honors and awarded for their leadership skills from Cauayan City National High School-Main in Isabela province.
“The Global UGRAD Program,” according to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs webpage under the US State Department, “provides one semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world for non-degree full-time study combined with community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment.”
Micah attributed their acceptance to Global UGRAD, through Fulbright Philippines, to being loquacious during the interviews. One of the first topics was about oneself.
“I recommended them because they consistently proved their dedication to get the most of their education. I also recommended Micah because I know they will benefit from the program. Their willingness to continue learning not only from their professors but also from their peers, together with their ability to contribute during class discussions and activities made them a competent candidate for the program,” said Marian Gongora, one of Micah’s teachers at FEU.
For community service Micah intends to work with Good Dads in Springfield.
“By inspiring, resourcing and encouraging fathers to be more involved in the lives of their families, we’re helping kids and communities one dad at a time,” showed the website of Missouri-based non-profit organization.
If not Good Dads Micah may volunteer at the Transitions Closet in MSU.
“[The] Transitions Closet is open to all students at [MSU] who are in need of clothing. We offer a wide variety of clothing choices that students are free to take and keep,” showed its website. “This free, anonymous resource is available to any student going through some form of life transition, including but not limited to: transgender students beginning or continuing to change clothing choices;
international students transitioning into the [US] from abroad; students preparing to transition out of [MSU] into full-time employment.”
Micah is tentatively scheduled to four courses for her registration: Sociology 301 (Research Methodology); English 289 (Literature, Culture, and Social Justice); Eng 202 (Great Books and Instant Classics); and Japanese I (Elementary Japanese).
“As a student, [although] Micah started with a little bit of uncertainty whether they will do well in their first professional course in [IS], their perseverance throughout the semester was evident in all their assessments,” said Gongora. “They consistently performed very well in all the professional courses they took under me. Micah has the right attitude as a student. Micah knows how to listen to comments or criticisms on how they can improve.”
Wendelle Naval, one of Micah’s classmates, agreed with their teacher.
“Micah is the kind of classmate [who] exudes intelligence and eloquence from the moment you see them, and these impressions will be [affirmed] once you see Micah actively participating in class and even casual discussions,” said Naval.
At the end of the program Micah and the three other Philippine principals from Ateneo de Manila University (biology), De La Salle University (psychology), and University of the Philippines-Baguio (mathematics) are also expected to enhance their professional skills.
“I hope to present a research paper in Washington, DC on gender development and the Filipino queer experience,” said Micah.
Micah possesses the ability to do well academically and knows how to collaborate with their peers, said her IS teacher; therefore, the program is seen contributing to Micah’s growth as a student and helping in their future career.
“More challenging than homesickness is this [so-called] imposter syndrome. I feel inadequate—that, perhaps, I do not deserve all this,” said Micah. While not an official diagnosis, said Psychology Today, the imposter phenomenon, or the feeling of being a fraud is common among high achievers. But Micah acknowledged the need to be headstrong—at least for the whole duration of her grant from Jan. 5, 2025 to May 9, 2025.
To detract from feeling wistful, Micah could “enjoy the outdoors, find local entertainment, take a shopping trip, go to a game, [or] ride the free shuttle,” showed the MSU website.
Naval, an IS classmate of Micah’s, said she was not surprised about the Global UGRAD grant.
“I have always known Micah for their expertise and diligence in class; thus, it is given that in due time, their skills will reach the international [level]. However, as a friend, I am delighted to hear about their grant and I am thrilled to witness their journey soon,” said Naval.
By the time Micah returns in time for FEU’s midyear term, IS department chairperson Agnes Beatrice Silva has ensured that Mical could continue with coursework with the shortest delay in residency. Representations were also made with the offices of the University Registrar and Internation Relations regarding Micah’s scholarship and the Global UGRAD grant.
“I look forward to bringing home the experience.” said Micah. “Perhaps facilitate learning in a secondary school.”
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