I was born and raised in Kumamoto, Japan (Southern part of Japan). My home town, Yokoshima, is very small town where only 6000 people live in the town. The town is famous for strawberries and my house is surrounded by strawberry field. I came to the United States in June, 1999 as student.
My major area of academic interest has been international social work. Especially humanitarian issues and working with refugee and immigrant youth and families are my academic interests and my passion.
I do not know where I am to be settled, but what I am planning and dreaming for my future is working globally for social justice and human rights.
I have a lot of hobbies that I enjoy. I am an outdoor person and love the nature. Especially on a nice day, I cannot stay home or inside. I HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE OUT!!! I like hiking, walking, camping, and playing any sports. Whenever I am out of school and have time, I go to parks, beaches, and lakes near my house. Seattle is a perfect city for me in a sense that there are so many outdoor opportunities! Additionally, I am interested in different cultures, so I go and visit a lot of cultural events and enjoy their arts and music.
One thing that everyone should know about me is that I love aroma therapy. I was thinking to be an aroma/herb massage therapist and I am still dreaming to be.
One thing most people don’t know about me is that I am allergic to alcohol. Even a little bit of alcohol turns my face so red and makes me feel itchy.
I am taking this class because working with refugee and immigrant population is my interest and passion is like I mentioned. In addition, I am working primarily with refugees from east African countries such as Ethiopia, Somali and Eritrea.
The most excite is to get to know and work with East African communities.
I am not nervous about this course. I have concerns, however, about how I get into East African communities as outsider and how they welcome me. I am rather excited about this course.