School: McKinley Technology High School

Grade: Rising Junior

Hobbies and skills: An activity I love doing is oshikatsu. I am collecting products of my faves and showing off my love. Also I love reading!! I love going to the library just to pick up books. Thus I can read in my free time.

Fun fact about me: Despite my closed off demeanor, I actually love talking to and spending time with people.

Why I joined:

From my participation in this program, I not only hope to understand more about the Japanese influence on DC but I also want to be able to expand my horizons a bit. I want to be able to network, explore new opportunities, and learn more about myself. Additionally, seeing the schedule, I’m very excited for all of the festivals that are planned along with the “trips.” I don’t get out much, so being able to makes me excited.

Personal statement:

My interest in Japan stems from my love for history. Any and everything historical grabs my interest. I really want to learn how America and Japan managed to become allies after the events of World War II. Joining this program not only fulfills my hopes of networking, but opens up possibilities for me that I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten. I also love oshikatsu culture. Anyone who’s seen me has seen my bag I carry with me everywhere. I adore oshikatsu culture because it gives me a chance to fully express my love for anything.