Biography
I wanted to learn Japanese to reconnect with my heritage and I fell in love with the language. It is very challenging, but rewarding to learn because I can connect with people who share similar interests from all over the world. Learning Japanese has taken me on a journey across the Pacific where I lived in Shimane Prefecture for 11 months. From my experience, I gained a better understanding of myself and a broader worldview. Now, I am a tutor for American Studies Program students to help them through the difficulties of cultural immersion as well as to build an international community at Willamette. I am excited to go back to Japan in Fall of 2019 to increase my knowledge and make more international connections. I hope to use the knowledge I gain from Willamette to work in an international setting and be a part of the movement to bridge Japan and America.