“ONFAO supported me by encouraging me to continue applying, even when I was tired and stressed from school.”

What was your Major(s) and year of graduation?

Computer Engineering and Japanese, Graduating with a Bachelors for both in August 2023

Why did you choose to attend URI?

I chose URI because I heard from my friends that it’s a great university for Engineering, but stayed/got more invested in URI after learning about the IEP program and taking Japanese.

What are your plans post graduation?

As a Boren Award recipient, I plan to work for the Federal Government for about a year. After that, I’ll make a decision on whether to work in the States or Japan.

How were you involved in campus life at URI?

I loosely attended clubs like NSBE but my bigger contribution would have to be with working at Butterfield dining hall, serving as a Japanese tutor and IEP Ambassador.

I loved the Japanese curriculum and department so much that I became an Ambassador and was able to promote it to many prospective students.

What awards did you apply for through ONFAO and why?

I applied for the Demers, Boren, Watanabe, and Gilman because I wanted to have as much support as possible.

How did you hear about the opportunity with ONFAO?

I heard about these opportunities with ONFAO through Kathleen Maher, by having meetings with her and attending her information sessions.

How did ONFAO support/ equip during the application process?

They supported me by encouraging me to continue applying even when I was tired and stressed from school. On top of that, finding more scholarships to apply for as well as reviewing my essays.

What did you gain from this experience?

I was able to garner more than enough support for the entire year abroad.

What would you tell students thinking about applying with ONFAO to help them prepare? 

I’d say to apply to as many as you can and utilize the ONFAO since they are there to help students! I wouldn’t have been so successful if it wasn’t for the support I got from the office.