What school will you be attending in the fall? 
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Major/minor? 
Biology major with a minor in Spanish.

What is the most important thing you learned in high school? 
I have way more control over my life than I like to think, and while it can be scary, it’s important to embrace it rather than turn away from any chance to improve myself.

What is your favorite high school memory? 
Leading/being a part of ARO (Asians Reaching Out.)

What was your favorite class or learning experience? 
Spanish.

Share your best advice for incoming freshmen. 
You have so much potential and power in who you are as an individual, and it’s a waste to give that up to fit in.

What or who do you account for your academic success and ranking in the top 2 percent of your senior class? 
My parents, my family in Japan, and my close friends.

What are you learning about yourself and the world as we collectively face this global pandemic?
Racism is a real issue, and it’s nowhere near talked about enough. I am learning the importance of creating conversation regarding social discrimination and unjust systems of oppression.