"Studying languages can be challenging, so find a goal that drives and inspires you--for me, human connection and understanding is what has pushed me to learn from different languages and cultures. It's no coincidence that my professional career is also tied to those values."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): East Asian Studies; Certificates in Japanese Professional Communication, Global Cultures
Language(s): Japanese
Graduation Year: 2015
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
Like many millennials, I first became interested in Japanese culture in the mid-2000’s when the manga and anime boom really hit the US. In high school, I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan for a one-month homestay experience with the 4-H program. Living with a family and getting to experience everyday activities together was transformative, and I developed a passion for international exchange and cross-cultural connections. That in turn inspired me to study Japanese. UW-Madison has an excellent Japanese department, and was the perfect place for me to pursue that goal!
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
They were both challenging and rewarding. I regularly came to my Japanese TA’s office hours to review and practice each week’s lesson. It took hard work and diligence, but it was so exciting when I was able to see my comprehension and ability improve over the semester! I have a lot of appreciation for the professors and TAs in the Japanese department–they were committed to their students and went above and beyond in terms of providing help to those who sought it.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
Throughout undergrad, I worked part time at 4-H (part of UW-Madison Division of Extension) as a WI 4-H International Programs Assistant. In that role, I assisted with international visitor and outbound exchange programs. That experience allowed me to explore my interest in international education and gain experience in the logistical work and coordination that happens behind the scenes. Every year, 4-H would receive over 50 Japanese youth who would participate in homestays with American families across the state of WI. My Japanese language skills came in handy when unexpected challenges would arise, and I was able to gain language experience outside of the classroom.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
After graduating, I lived in Tokyo, Japan for 3 years. There, I worked for a language-learning and international exchange organization called LEX Institute/Hippo Family Club (they partner with 4-H, the international exchange program I worked for during undergrad). I returned to WI in 2018 and completed my master’s at UW-Madison in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis in 2020. Since 2021 I have been working at UW-Madison as an Academic Advisor in the Department of Economics.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
While living and working in Japan, I was able to use my language skills in both a professional and personal capacity. They allowed me to take on a wide variety of tasks at my job–from translating a wide array of materials from Japanese to English, to supporting youth who were preparing to travel abroad.
While I currently work in the US in a primarily English-speaking environment, my language experience has honed my communication skills, my sense of empathy and understanding of others from different backgrounds and nationalities.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
Living abroad and immersing myself in Japanese environments at work and in my personal life for 3 years definitely improved my language skills. Since moving back to the States, I stay connected through my Japanese friends, as well as Japanese media.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Studying languages can be challenging, so find a goal that drives and inspires you–for me, human connection and understanding is what has pushed me to learn from different languages and cultures. It’s no coincidence that my professional career is also tied to those values.