Saint Michael's College

Program: Business/East Asian Studies/International Business

Hometown: Park Ridge, NJ

Testimonial: Saint Michael's College is a very welcoming community.

What was a favorite class at Saint Michael's? My Japanese classes are my favorite. I love being able to understand and talk in another language. My Sensei (Professor) is a wonderful teacher and she has greatly improved my language skills.

Have you had any internship or study abroad experiences? For the 2009-2010 academic year I will be studying in Tokyo, Japan, at Musashi University.

What do you like to do outside of the classroom? I like being active and meeting new people. I like to snowboard and horseback ride. I go to shows at the Flynn Center and I participate in Saint Michael's student clubs such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Society and the Diversity Coalition. I also like to do anything and everything that has to do with learning about cultures and languages.

What do you plan to do after graduation? Right now I am thinking about either attending graduate school or joining JET - the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program. The JET program would allow me to return to Japan and teach English; it would also give me the opportunity to learn more about the culture from a working professional's perspective.

What would you say to prospective students considering Saint Michael's College? Try everything and keep an open mind. Meet new people whether they are from the States, or from another country. Go to as many events as possible and be willing to learn about everything. College is the time to do as much as you can and Saint Michael's can provide and support whatever you want to do, whether it's learning how to ice climb, get involved in volunteer work, or join a sports team or club. The professors are incredibly wonderful people who truly enjoy what they do and who want you to succeed.