Faces of FIUTS: Meet Kao
Faces of FIUTS is a social media campaign that collects personal stories from individuals who are part of our work. This week, meet Kao!
Where are you from?
I grew up in the center of Tokyo. I consider Elgin, Nebraska, as my 2nd home; I was an exchange student there from 2012-13 and went to the public school where I actively worked as an ambassador of my country. After one year at the University of Washington, Seattle is now another place I feel very much connected!
What's your FIUTS story?
While at UW, I got involved in many programs at FIUTS. I so much enjoyed the community since the very 1st day and the great time I've had with my friends from all over the world. I strongly feel that more schools should have organizations like FIUTS, where people interact boundlessly regardless of their background and create something together. Special thanks to the outstandingly amazing staff - Ellen, Tom, Era, and Kelsey - for your warm hearts and hard work!
How will you change the world?
I believe this world would be a much better place if all of us can respect and try to understand the differences people have, such as culture, nationality, gender, and race. In the fields of Business and Journalism, I've been working to realize the goal by putting a spotlight on those unheard or disregarded subjects. On a personal level, I continue being active to promote my country in many ways..
Kao Takaya is junior at Waseda University. She was a UW exchange student from 2016-17, studying Business with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Management. She is passionate about journalism and leads the Waseda chapter of HerCampus.com. Kao was active with FIUTS as a homestay and Thanksgiving student, Pen Pal, Education and Visiting Programs volunteer, student committee member, SUSI Ambassador, and SLCI camp counselor.
Faces of FIUTS is published every two weeks on the FIUTS blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Read past posts collected here!
Interested in being featured as a Face of FIUTS? Contact Ellen Frierson at ellen@fiuts.org.