YAC 13 Edition
Questions:
Why did you choose your major? & What is something you are looking forward to and why? Or What’s a good quarantine story you have?
Matsue Del-Bene Kyhos
She/Her/Hers
Davis Senior High School, Class of 2020
I’m possibly majoring in gender studies or psychology, both topics I find really interesting and a way I could make a real difference in others lives.
I like having the time to finish up any projects i have started and never finished, which I have a tendency to do, but I hate feeling so disconnected socially.
Maya Hirota
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Seattle University (Class of 2023)
Major (and why): Pre-Business (kind of like Pre-Major for Business) because I knew I wanted to go into the business industry, but I want to be able to explore all of my options within business before declaring my major.
A good quarantine story: My family recently held a virtual bingo night, where we all got on Zoom and played bingo together. We got about 10 of us on Zoom and it was great to see some of my grandparents and great aunts & uncles figure out and use this technology and be able to connect with us.
Mitchell Kita
he/him/his
Virginia Tech, Class of 2023
Major: I’ve always had an interest in architecture ever since I was little building legos. Learning the creative concepts of why structures are made the way they are always fascinated me.
I’m looking forward to when coronavirus is stopped and we all can be outside. I miss being able to interact with people and socialize without worrying about the virus.
Kevin Kujiraoka
he/him/his
I am a second year undergraduate student at University California Irvine
I am an Urban Studies Major looking to get into Urban Planning as well. I started college as a Civil Engineer but switched because these urban studies majors were what I enjoyed about Civil Engineering, but more in focus.
Quarantine: I am, truthfully, enjoying the change that quarantine has brought. During my time at college, I have gotten into the more isolated hobbies of playing Dungeons & Dragons, as well as crafting miniature 3D Terrain/Structures from foam. Lately, I’ve been successful at looking forward, seeing this quarantine as an opportunity to expand in these newfound hobbies. Yes, I’ve been forced to move away from club volleyball, other club activities, social gatherings, and my training as a new hire as a Campus Representative.In the meantime, as I sit here in the present, all I can do is do my part to keep myself and those around me safe, and all while dodging boredom through my newly growing hobbies.
Ashlee McDonald
she/her/hers
Idaho Medical Academy
I just graduated with my EMT license at the end of February! I’m just waiting to take my National Registry Exam. I’m going to get my commercial helicopter pilot license next before I go to medical school.
I haven’t really been quarantined because my job is considered ‘essential,’ so I’m still working. My boyfriend and I have been making sandwiches for the low income kids in our apartment complex though! It’s been really fulfilling and cool to see how the community is coming together to help one another. Other than that, I’ve been spending a lot of my free time taking naps, making macramé and trying new recipes!
One downside that I wasn’t expecting was the fact that I can’t see my parents and little brother because I’m still working and I don’t want to risk getting them sick. This whole thing really makes you appreciate the small things like going to your parents’ house for dinner or grabbing coffee with friends.
Jeff Onuma
He/Him/His
University of California San Diego, Class of 2021
I am studying Mechanical Engineering because I was good at physics growing up but I wanted to go into design. Many mechanical engineers get the creative freedom of working with design firms. I want to go into product design or building and innovating instruments one day.
I am looking forward to my final year of college! I'm performance director of my taiko group next year and I really want to push the group to new levels and give all of these people the opportunity to see taiko the way that I came to see it as I fell in love with it.
Kailey Wong
She/Her/Hers
University of the Pacific, Class of 2023
Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences. I chose this major because I tore my meniscus (the cartilage between the knees) and I went to physical therapy. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the concept of helping people recover from injuries and I figured it would be a major I’d enjoy.
So actually my mom just recently got into sewing, and she’s been making face masks in light of covid-19. And actually, Joann’s fabric is giving out free materials and instructions for people to make masks and donate them to health care workers as many of the hospitals are running low on protective supplies. Also, my dad made his own hand sanitizer, out of isopropyl alcohol and aloe Vera gel, as many of the stores in the area had no supply. To be honest, it looks and smells a little funny, but it gets the job done!
Nolan Hirayama
he/him/his
San Francisco state university, Class of 2021
Kinesiology - I want to go into physical therapy.
I’m looking forward to the day quarantine is over and I can leave the house and see my friends.
Stephanie Fong
she/her/hers
Northeastern University
Combined Marketing and Design Major: I actually came into college as a CS and Psychology major, but just switched this past year to Combined Marketing and Design, and I’m so happy with my decision.
Currently looking forward to being back in Boston soon/eventually/hopefully. A few of my friends and I just signed for an apartment together for the next year and I’m so excited to be living with them. I’ve found some really amazing people back there that make it easy to call Boston my home now. I’m also looking for a co-op right now (basically I’ll be working for six months at a company instead of going to classes) so I’m also looking forward to where I’ll end up in July.
Emily Ko
She/Hers/Hers
University of Washington, Class of 2022
I am studying Civil Engineering because I want to help out our communities through providing sustainable and affordable methods of transportation. Transportation is something we interact with on a daily basis, and something we often take for granted. I am focusing on improving roadway relationships to promote alternative methods of transportation: walking, biking, riding the Light Rail, ect.
With my quaren-time, my roommates and I have gotten into doing home workouts together every night. One of my roommates is an ex-dancer, so she is showing me how to not be as stiff as a board. Prior to quarantine, I could barely touch my toes (on a good day). Now I can almost do the splits! With everything in the news, focusing on these small wins means a lot.
Mia Li
she/her/hers
Seattle University, Class of 2021
I chose [to study] International Business because I wanted to study abroad while I was in college and business seemed like the best pathway for me at the time.
This quarantine and state of the world right now [are] scary and crazy. It’s really hard to see friends and people losing their jobs and missing out on big milestones. It’s a hard time, but I’ve been trying to focus on the little things and be thankful for my health and my family. I got to set up my hammock for the first time in my backyard and it was a really beautiful day just sitting out there in the sun and listening to the birds. It felt like a nice moment of peace amidst this chaos.
Alex Ng
he/him/his
I am currently attending Sacramento City College studying Anthropology and Management. I plan to work as a Human Resource manager and curate an urban ethnography to help better facilitate a healthy and conducive work environment for people.
I honestly am looking forward to moving on to a 4 year university by the end of the semester. I somewhat yearn for a bit more independence and an opportunity to explore more deeply my major. I'm ready to feel uncomfortable and feel the full force of what life has to offer.
Vicky Shinkawa
she/her/hers
University of Washington, Class of 2023
I am majoring in chemistry because I enjoy doing labs and learning about chemistry.
Although classes are now online, I am looking forward to classes next quarter because I picked some Gen-Ed classes in topics that I’m really interested in, like Space and Space travel.
Lauren Wong
she/her/hers
University of California Riverside, Class of 2021
Education, Society, and Human Development. I want to become an elementary school teacher
“Something I look forward to is traveling in the future: I was in Taiwan over winter break and hope that I can travel to more countries in Asia and Europe. I really enjoy taking photos and eating good food. The dragon boat team I am on also does international races so I hope to have the opportunity to race in another country.”
