School: MacArthur High School

Grade: Rising 11^th Grader

Fun Fact: I have shot a bear with an arrow once.

Future Career: US Army Officer

Why I joined:

One day I was in the middle of an argument (like normal). It was against my SAI (Senior Army Instructor), because we were going back and forth on which is better, China or Japan. So I signed up for this program to learn and be a true master when it comes to Japanese cultural history. I’m also excited for the program because Japan always interests me. I always loved the history and culture that’s so similar yet different. People often see Japan as the land of anime, manga, music, bowing, and “san.” Yet I didn’t believe that. I wanted to break away from the “Dream Japan” made by pop cultural social media. My dream is to see the real Japan: the life, the norms and mannerisms.

Personal Statement:

I have always been different compared to the rest of my family. From my skin tone to my outgoing ideas and attitude to life compared to my other family members’ pragmatic mindset. Yet that never put me down. I know my place in the world as a Fourth Gen Washingtonian. Born and raised. That purpose is to brighten, enlighten the world with my greatness. But that of course won’t stop me from learning and growing as a person.