Born in Okinawa and raised in Virginia, I graduated from Pittsburgh University in 2007. During my education at Pittsburgh University I spent a year and a half as an exchange student in Ritsumeikan's Study in Kyoto Program (SKP) where I made friends from not only Japan, but many other countries around the world as well.

After graduating from university I returned to Ritsumeikan University to work in the International Center at Kinugasa Campus as one of the coordinators of the exchange program I participated in as a student myself.

I had the best time of my life during my exchange at Ritsumeikan, so I really want to give the new students the same experience I was able to have. I feel I have been able to do this because many students say they really love their time here, and want to come back to Japan in the future. Many students even come and visit me when they return to Japan, and they thank me for helping them have such a great time. This is really the best part of the job. Also just being there for the students when they need help on a daily basis is a really rewarding part of the job.

Although I really enjoy my duties here, there are a few challenges that come with my job. Even though I feel I am a good listener, there are many cultural differences within the student group, and some students need proper counseling and look to me for help. Often times I am not sure what to do in these situations, so it is a challenge for me to help these students, but I am always willing to lend a helping hand.