What is your background?: I was born in the city of Okaya, Japan to a mother from Iowa and a father from Kyoto. I moved to Cedar Rapids for a brief time as an infant, before moving to Rhode Island and living there for several years. My father, who is a sports writer for a Japanese news company, was assigned to follow a Japanese player in the Cubs, so we moved to Naperville, Illinois, which is a suburb outside of Chicago.
I attended Metea Valley High School, where I was very active in both the Music and English programs.
Most of my relatives live here in Iowa.My grandparents live in Marion, I have an aunt and uncle living in Coralville, another aunt and uncle in Cedar Rapids, as well as yet another aunt and uncle living in Wisconsin, with another pair in Florida. I also have an aunt that lives in Portland, Oregon. My parents and younger brother still live in Naperville.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: Initially, I had intended to go to the University of Iowa due to its strong liberal arts program. As an out of state student, however, I couldn’t really afford the tuition without large loans, so a student guide and my relatives both recommended Kirkwood. Kirkwood’s atmosphere and the friendliness of its staff, as well as the quality of its programs, convinced me to stay.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I am studying English and music. I grew up loving both music and reading, and I’ve grown to love writing, reading and playing my instrument (the tuba). I find studying liberal arts or pursuing a career in a liberal arts field to be both inspiring and fascinating. In a world so embroiled by conflict and uncertainty, I think entertainment and escapism are the only things that can keep us sane.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I write for the school newspaper, the Communiqué. I wanted to try my hand at journalism (though my preference is fiction writing), and the Communiqué seemed like the best place to try my hand at it.
What do you do for fun?: I’m a fairly reserved person, but I like to hang out with friends and family, play video games, exercise, write and read.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: To be honest, I’m not 100 percent sure. I know that I want to be doing something I love, so hopefully I’ll be doing something associated with writing. I’ve considered obtaining a teaching certification, so perhaps I’ll pursue that course of action. Whatever it is, I want it to be something that makes me happy and helps me towards my ultimate goal, which is to be a published author.