YAC 12 Edition

It's been nearly four years since they met. Let's see what these inspiring individuals are up to!

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Questions: Why did you choose your major? & What is something you are looking forward to?

Brandon Fuji

He/Him/His
University of California, Los Angeles, Class of 2021

“As a Biology major, I hope to pursue a career in dentistry. I enjoy the doctor to patient connections that are made in the dental field as well as the ability to work on projects by hand from start to finish.   

“As the current Co-Director of Kyodo Taiko at UCLA, I can’t wait to get back on campus and continue teaching the younger members.  Outside of taiko, I am looking forward to eating out with my friends and making my final year of undergrad one for the books!”

Erin Hamasaki

She/Hers/Hers
Chapman University, Class of 2021

“I am currently majoring in Global Communication and World Languages with an emphasis in Japanese and a minor in Entrepreneurship. I chose this major because I love learning about cultures around the world as well as bringing people together despite things like language barriers or cultural differences.”

​“Some things that I can't finish my day without doing include journaling and recording what I did that day, talking to friends, and connecting with people through my online blog.”

Josh McKinney

He/Him/His
Western Washington University, Class of 2022

“[I am studying] journalism because I think learning about people is cool and I think journalists can have a positive impact on the world.  I’m looking forward to being able to play volleyball again.”

Mark Nakamae

He/Him/His
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Class of 2021

“I’m currently studying computer engineering since it allows me to work with both software and hardware. I started coding during my senior year of high school, where I made a minesweeper solver. Since then, I’ve gotten a lot of experience coding larger scale projects as well as countless hours in the electrical engineering labs debugging my circuits. I’m still planning on attending a graduate program for computer science, but I’m really looking forward to applying the concepts I’ve learned in class to real-life problems when I start working.”

Toshi Steimetz

He/Him/His
University of California, Santa Barbara Class of 2021

"[Economics Major/Writing Minor] Economics interests me because it is a subject that is applicable to real-life decisions and provides knowledge that is useful in any career path.

"As corny as it sounds, I am simultaneously excited and terrified by the large amount of uncertainty in my current stage of life. I am quickly approaching the huge transition from being a student to being an independent adult and although it scares me I am excited to see what lies ahead."

Kiana Tsudama

She/Her/Hers
University of California, Los Angeles, Class of 2021

“I am studying Biology because I’ve always had a great interest in life sciences, and I want to go into the healthcare field. I hope I can help those in need to get better and live their lives to the fullest. Next year, I am looking forward to time with my friends before we graduate. I want to dance, cook, bake, and explore with them. The future is undetermined, so I intend to make the most of the time we will have together.”

Marissa Wong

She/Her/Hers
Seattle University, Class of 2021

“I go to Seattle University, where I major in social work. I chose social work because I am interested in social justice and community organizing and working with a diverse population of clients. Something that helps me get through the day is animal crossing and my daily run!”

KC Mukai

She/Her/Hers
University of California, Berkeley, Class of 2021

“I decided to study Sociology because I had always felt a deep curiosity with people and their “stories”. Studying sociology has given me the means to analyze social interactions and institutions while also fueling my drive for social justice and advocacy. I recently decided to pursue a Global Public Health minor in order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on marginalized and disadvantaged communities.”

“During shelter-in-place, I’ve enjoyed getting back into old skills that I lost touch with like playing the cello. I do my best to stick to a routine, however I also understand that I’m not always going to be the most productive person during this time and that’s perfectly fine.”

Amanda Hamakami

She/Her/Hers
University of Portland, Class of 2021

“I am a nursing major with a minor in psychology. Ever since I was young, I always wanted to go into the healthcare field because I have a passion for helping others. I want to make a difference in the world, and I do thank a lot of that to growing up at the Seattle Betsuin.

“This summer I hope to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Nurse Tech to help all those I can as well as relieving fellow nurses from the high workload they are currently facing due to this pandemic. Currently, aside from schoolwork I choose to fill my day with yoga or running as a form of self-care!”

Jeni Kawate

She/Her/Hers
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Class of 2021

“Electrical Engineering has so many applicable aspects to our everyday lives and I have always been intrigued by the way advanced technology helps the world. I wanted to challenge myself after high school, and chose EE to further understand how computers or electricity at homes work, and use my skills in mathematics and problem solving to help others. I am currently working on a project with the Society of Women Engineers to build a wheelchair system for users at rides in theme parks. I am excited to see how our project pans out and be potentially implemented at a theme park!”

Skye O’Connor Nikaidoh

She/Her/Hers
​University of California Davis, Class of 2020!!

“I am double majoring in Mathematics and Japanese. I have always liked my math classes throughout middle and high school, and as a Japanese American, majoring in Japanese has been a great way for me to learn about my heritage, history, and culture. While I am not 100% sure what I am going to use these degrees for, I am planning to pursue a career related to education in the near future.

“I was recently accepted into the JET Program (Japanese Exchange and Teaching) and so I am really looking forward to traveling to Japan and getting experience working as a teacher for the next few years!”

Sydney Takeda

She/Her/Hers
University of California, Los Angeles, Class of 2022

“As a Physiological Science major, I want to learn all about the body to become a physical therapist so that I can help those who have gone through physical hardships like I have, and to help patients get back on their feet. I also hope to begin working towards an Asian American Studies minor to learn more about the hard-fought battles and rich culture of Asian Americans.”

“I’m looking forward to kicking off a new year on UCLA Nikkei Student Union’s board, and hope to welcome members, new and old, to our awesome club! NSU has been integral to my experience at UCLA, & I’m so grateful to have found my home away from home!”

Allison Tanaka

She/Her/Hers

Seattle University, Class of 2022

“I am studying Psychology, minoring in Biology because I have always been empathic and passionate for understanding others.  I hope to work in mental health where I can directly help people who are marginalized, have disabilities, or suffer from mental illness.” 

“I really look forward to returning back to Seattle to reunite with friends and get back into the swing of things!  Next school year, I am excited to be a part of the staff team for my school's radio station to help put on on-campus music events and concerts.”

Alex Sakamoto

He/Him/His
Washington State University, Class of 2021

“I am studying Marketing with a minor in Hospitality Business Management. I chose this degree because I feel that marketing is a strong skill that can benefit many different companies/industries.

“I am looking forward to returning to Washington State to begin my senior year! Aside from school, I’m also excited to work as an intern in the communication/finance field this summer.”

Noel Mcguire

She/Her/Hers

Chapman University, Class of 2020 & 2021

“I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Strategic & Corporate Communication with a minor in Chinese. In addition, I am a part of Chapman University’s Integrated Master’s program. It is an accelerated program from which I will receive my graduate degree in Health & Strategic Communication, spring of 2021. I chose this path because I want to make a difference in the healthcare system; dedicating myself to a career within the field of healthcare administration.”