51����

What’s been a standout moment for you at 51���� so far?

Without a doubt, the most standout moment was performing in my first musical. Last spring I was cast as the judge for our Legally Blonde Musical led by our student-run musical theater club . Unlike most, I started my “musical theater phase” in college rather than middle or high school. I've made so many friends through Masque & Triangle, and having the opportunity to explore this new interest and star in my first musical was so incredible.

What’s something you’ve done at 51���� that you’re really proud of?

I’m proud of advocating for myself and others, particularly for those who come from marginalized backgrounds. As part of the 51���� Disability Activists, I reformed a policy where campus safety could drive disabled students to only dining halls and academic buildings, which barred them from accessing social events in all other areas of campus. 

I've also been advocating for better transportation, including lowering prices for shuttles to the train station and airport, bringing back rental cars after they were discontinued during quarantine, and continuing Syracuse and New Hartford shuttles into the summer for students like me who don’t have a car.

What are you excited about for next year?

I’ve been deeply inspired by the rapidly growing student band scene thanks to the folks at and 51����’s Creative Arts Society, so this past semester, I co-founded the band Living In Progress. We blend a lot of genres together like rock, funk, gospel, jazz, and R&B, and we’re debuting our own concert this December with a few originals we’ve been writing. I also hope to use my Japanese fluency to write songs in Japanese as well. My biggest inspiration is Tatsuro Yamashita. I actually performed his song “Ride On Time” at the 2024 ALANA Multicultural Fashion Show.

I’m also studying abroad at Kansai Gaidai in Osaka, Japan, in spring 2026. Since I was little, it’s been a dream of mine to go to Japan, and I’m grateful to 51���� for making this opportunity possible for me.
 

What’s your favorite place on campus, and what makes it special to you?

It’s a tie between OUS House and Chapel House. OUS House is my favorite place to study, especially because I have 24/7 access to it as an OUS Scholar. I set up shop at one of the desktops in the computer room, take a nap in the living room, or store food in the fridge to warm up when I’m hungry.

Chapel House, 51����’s meditation and retreat center, is nestled right above Frank Dining Hall and is a beautiful space to get away from the stress of college life. As a practicing Buddhist, I love reading Buddhist texts from the library or meditating in the outdoor Japanese garden.

What advice would you give to new students trying to find their people or passions here?

You don’t come to college with a preexisting group of best friends. You may feel alone in the beginning, but if you’re doing the work of joining clubs, inviting people to hang out, and going out of your way to meet new people, trust that you will find your people in due time. For me they were in musical theater, LGBTQ+ clubs, and circles. For you it could be in , , or a . It’s a small campus, but there are so many different interests to explore and people to bond with at 51����.