I am a senior at UVM studying Middle Level Education with a minor in Japanese. Being half-Japanese, I’ve been interested in all things Japan since I was a kid. I had the wonderful opportunity to live there during elementary school, which sparked a curiosity that only grew as I got older. I knew I wanted to continue my studies in college, and the Japanese program here has been the perfect place to do that.

If I had to describe the UVM Japanese program in one word, it would be passionate. The professors are deeply invested in every student's success. Whether it’s navigating complex grammar or discussing cultural nuances, they are always welcoming and truly care about our growth. One of the most unique aspects of this program is the opportunity for hands-on projects. I recently participated in a service-learning project where we collaborated directly with students from Tottori University. Getting to use my Japanese skills to build relationships and work on shared goals with native speakers was an incredible experience that you just can't get from a textbook alone.

As a future educator, learning Japanese has been vital for my career preparedness because it has given me a deeper understanding of the language-learning process and the patience required to master a new skill - perspectives I know will help me in my future classroom.