Parliament President Inspires USM's CFY Students
October 21, 2026
USM's CFY students welcomed President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams for an inspiring Pep Talk on education, governance and their future. What began as a motivational session turned into a lively exchange, as students asked questions, shared experiences and made their voices heard.
The University of St. Martin's (USM) Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) students welcomed President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams for their third weekly Pep Talk, an inspiring and interactive session that encouraged students to take their education seriously, understand the importance of governance and recognize the role they can play in shaping St. Maarten's future.
The visit formed part of USM's ongoing CFY Pep Talk series, which brings professionals, alumni and community leaders into the classroom to share their experiences, offer encouragement and help students see the possibilities ahead of them.
During her visit, Wescot-Williams spoke about the importance of education, personal responsibility and preparing for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. She encouraged students to remain focused on their studies and recognize that the knowledge and skills they develop today will help prepare them for their future.
Drawing on her experience in public service, she also introduced students to the importance of understanding how their country is governed. The conversation touched on St. Maarten's Constitution, the structure of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the composition of St. Maarten's government and the role and responsibilities of Parliament.
What began as a motivational conversation soon developed into a lively exchange, as students took the opportunity to ask questions about how government policies are developed and implemented.
Their curiosity naturally led the discussion toward St. Maarten's public transportation system, an issue several students could relate to through their own experiences.
Students raised questions about transportation regulations, fares and the challenges young people face when travelling to and from school. They also shared observations and ideas about how the system could better accommodate students.
The spontaneous discussion highlighted the importance of giving young people opportunities to express their views and engage with the issues affecting their everyday lives.
Wescot-Williams welcomed their questions and encouraged them to remain curious, informed and involved in matters affecting their community. She also extended an invitation for students to continue the conversation beyond the classroom, expressing her willingness to meet with them again for a more in-depth discussion on governance and the functioning of Parliament.
During the session, Wescot-Williams also reflected on her time as Commissioner of Education and the importance of preparing young people for higher education.
She recalled how an initiative that began as a two-week training program has evolved into a more comprehensive 30-week foundation program, providing students with greater opportunities to develop the academic skills and preparation needed for university-level studies.
Her reflections reinforced the importance of programs such as CFY in helping young people build a strong educational foundation while developing the confidence, discipline and independence needed to pursue their goals.
Ms. Shobhan Giterson, who serves as Mentor to the CFY students, expressed appreciation for the meaningful interaction.
"These Pep Talks are about exposing our students to different experiences and perspectives while encouraging them to think about their own futures. What I especially enjoyed about this session was seeing how comfortable the students became asking questions and sharing their opinions. The transportation discussion was not planned, but it showed that when young people are given the opportunity, they have a lot to say about the issues affecting them. That is exactly the kind of confidence and critical thinking we want to encourage," Giterson shared.
The visit marked the third session in the CFY Pep Talk series, following earlier visits from Nkosazana Illis of Voices Foundation, a holistic healer and social worker, and Captain Peterson Boujorley of SXM Airways, a proud USM alumnus.
Through these weekly interactions, USM continues to create opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom, connect with individuals from different professional backgrounds and gain inspiration as they prepare for higher education and their future careers.
USM extends its sincere appreciation to President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams for taking the time to engage with the CFY students and for encouraging them to remain focused on their education while becoming more informed and involved members of their community.
USM alumni and other community members interested in participating in an upcoming CFY Pep Talk are encouraged to contact marketing@usm.sx.
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The visit formed part of USM's ongoing CFY Pep Talk series, which brings professionals, alumni and community leaders into the classroom to share their experiences, offer encouragement and help students see the possibilities ahead of them.
During her visit, Wescot-Williams spoke about the importance of education, personal responsibility and preparing for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. She encouraged students to remain focused on their studies and recognize that the knowledge and skills they develop today will help prepare them for their future.
Drawing on her experience in public service, she also introduced students to the importance of understanding how their country is governed. The conversation touched on St. Maarten's Constitution, the structure of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the composition of St. Maarten's government and the role and responsibilities of Parliament.
What began as a motivational conversation soon developed into a lively exchange, as students took the opportunity to ask questions about how government policies are developed and implemented.
Their curiosity naturally led the discussion toward St. Maarten's public transportation system, an issue several students could relate to through their own experiences.
Students raised questions about transportation regulations, fares and the challenges young people face when travelling to and from school. They also shared observations and ideas about how the system could better accommodate students.
The spontaneous discussion highlighted the importance of giving young people opportunities to express their views and engage with the issues affecting their everyday lives.
Wescot-Williams welcomed their questions and encouraged them to remain curious, informed and involved in matters affecting their community. She also extended an invitation for students to continue the conversation beyond the classroom, expressing her willingness to meet with them again for a more in-depth discussion on governance and the functioning of Parliament.
During the session, Wescot-Williams also reflected on her time as Commissioner of Education and the importance of preparing young people for higher education.
She recalled how an initiative that began as a two-week training program has evolved into a more comprehensive 30-week foundation program, providing students with greater opportunities to develop the academic skills and preparation needed for university-level studies.
Her reflections reinforced the importance of programs such as CFY in helping young people build a strong educational foundation while developing the confidence, discipline and independence needed to pursue their goals.
Ms. Shobhan Giterson, who serves as Mentor to the CFY students, expressed appreciation for the meaningful interaction.
"These Pep Talks are about exposing our students to different experiences and perspectives while encouraging them to think about their own futures. What I especially enjoyed about this session was seeing how comfortable the students became asking questions and sharing their opinions. The transportation discussion was not planned, but it showed that when young people are given the opportunity, they have a lot to say about the issues affecting them. That is exactly the kind of confidence and critical thinking we want to encourage," Giterson shared.
The visit marked the third session in the CFY Pep Talk series, following earlier visits from Nkosazana Illis of Voices Foundation, a holistic healer and social worker, and Captain Peterson Boujorley of SXM Airways, a proud USM alumnus.
Through these weekly interactions, USM continues to create opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom, connect with individuals from different professional backgrounds and gain inspiration as they prepare for higher education and their future careers.
USM extends its sincere appreciation to President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams for taking the time to engage with the CFY students and for encouraging them to remain focused on their education while becoming more informed and involved members of their community.
USM alumni and other community members interested in participating in an upcoming CFY Pep Talk are encouraged to contact marketing@usm.sx.
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