Ogawa Award Honoree: Rica Mackert
The Betty and Hiro Ogawa Award is open for applications! Here is Rica Mackert, one of the recipients of last year's award, recounting where she came from and where she plans on going in promoting the relationship between Japan and the USA!
The Betty and Hiro Ogawa Award grants two $5,000 scholarships each year to University of Washington students who promote cross-cultural understanding between Japan and the United States through their involvement in FIUTS programs. Here is Rica mackert, anotherrecipient of last year's award, recounting where she came from and where she plans on going in promoting the relationship between these two countries!
As an undergraduate student, I was heavily involved with FIUTS and the FIUTS Student Board. Wednesday Lunches with FIUTS were always a blast- some of my fondest memories were from spending time with friends, making that special FIUTS pickle-cheese sandwich and building new friendships and connections between our UW and international students.
I have been involved in the Japanese American community through several outlets- I participated in the Japanese Queen Scholarship Organization of Washington, which led to my winning of this coveted scholarship. With my newfound confidence in public speaking and passion for community service, I have traveled throughout Washington and California presenting my community service platform: “Dental Outreach”. In addition to addressing issues with dental care and underrepresented communities, I integrated these opportunities to build personal relationships with dentists, patients, and volunteers in the Japanese American Community as well.
Volunteering my time as a Board Member for the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association has allowed me to help facilitate relationships between our Seattle and Japanese communities. When not working at school in dental clinics, I also volunteered my time through Nikkei Concerns, where I assist in Nikkei Manor and Keiro nursing facilities interacting with the elderly.
All of these experiences have inspired me to pave the way to help increase understanding between the UW and Japan, and also for increasing cross-cultural understanding especially as I am preparing for my career in dentistry. With our continuously diversifying country, language barriers make going to the dentist difficult and access to care more difficult. With the Betty and Hiro Ogawa Award, I am looking forward to dedicating my time and passion in increasing understanding between Japan and the US, continuing to support and promote the FIUTS program, focusing on becoming a globally-minded dentist, and most importantly- follow my dream in leaving a positive impact in our community.
The Betty and Hiro Ogawa Award is now open for applications. Click here for more information and to apply.