Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

After sharing her origins, Kéavae often faces a barrage of questions about Micronesia. Her response is concise: “It’s a group of islands midway between Hawaii and Australia.”

As the only Micronesian at St. John’s, she adds to her prepared responses about her unique experience as an international student. Unlike many others, she doesn't require a visa to live in the United States due to the Compact of Free Association between the US and Micronesia. Additionally, English being her first language eases her transition.

Kéavae acknowledges the common struggle among international students—serving as cultural ambassadors. She notes, "In most of our cases, we are the only real way that our colleagues in the US will truly interact on a personal level with our countries." This role comes with a sense of responsibility for representing their home nations.

Her upbringing emphasized scrutiny and representation. On her island with 20,000 residents, actions were always noticed and linked back to family values. Now in college, she experiences this on a broader scale as “the Micronesian girl.”

Kéavae speaks for all international students when expressing concern over representing their countries well but embraces this duty gracefully.

A memorable encounter during orientation week involved administrators who were excited to meet her after seeing Micronesia's flag flying on campus. This led to opportunities such as speaking at events and writing articles.

Reflecting on these experiences, Kéavae sees them as affirmations of worth and recognition beyond just national identity. She views being an ambassador not as a burden but an honor lifting up her nation.