I graduated from UVM in Spring 2014, majoring in Psychology and Japanese. My Japanese studies, in particular, have been pivotal to both my career and personal growth.

Initially, my main motivation for studying the language was a naive desire to locate a Japanese friend I had lost touch with since childhood. Soon, the Japanese classes at UVM opened my eyes to a whole new culture, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.

In my third year at UVM I studied abroad at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo and, on top of making new lifelong connections, by some miracle was even able to track down my childhood friend and reconnect after over a decade. In the end, that year abroad was a transformative experience that solidified my love for Japan and its people, and one that defined my next life goal: return to Japan as soon as possible!

In my final year at UVM, I was awarded the Princeton in Asia Fellowship and, upon graduating, spent over two years in a rural town in Okayama Prefecture. There, I worked as an English teacher at local elementary schools and Coordinator of International Relations at the town hall and Board of Education. Later, my Japanese language skills opened the door to a position at a company in Saitama, where I worked in marketing and sales, serving as the bridge between international clients and the Japanese head office. This role even allowed me to travel extensively across Europe, including a stint in Portugal.

Currently, I work as an analyst for a company specializing in internet monitoring and compliance. While it is based in the U.S., it has a strong international presence, and I contribute to several contracts for Japanese clients.

Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that my Japanese studies at UVM laid the foundation for a truly global career and enriched my personal life. The program not only equips students with language skills but also fosters cross-cultural appreciation and understanding. I am truly grateful to Suzuki-, Corson-, and Ikeda-sensei for their guidance and support during my time at UVM, so fundamental to shaping the person I am today.