My B. A. Degrees in East Asian Studies (Japanese Intensive) and Global Studies through the College of Humanities with a minor in computer science offered me various opportunities to pursue my interests. While pursuing these interests, I studied abroad twice in Japan for a total of 10 months. Working with my professors and advisors from the College of Humanities and Honors College, I was awarded the Boren and Gilman Scholarships to help defray the cost of studying in Japan. Support from the College of Humanities was instrumental in securing my position as a Computer Forensic Examiner with the Federal Government, and I still utilize my language ability as a member of the Japanese Community of Practice. The cultural experiences and relationships established during my time abroad are invaluable. I still stay in contact with my host families and friends in Nagoya and Kobe, Japan where prior to COVID-19, I visited once a year. In 2019, I started the El Cultural Foundation and scholarship fund for the purpose of sharing my experience in Japan and giving several U of A students the opportunity to study abroad. So far, the foundation has helped fund a year abroad in Japan for one student, and we look forward to aiding many more Wildcats in the near future. https://elculturalfoundation.com/
