Having recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and being half Japanese, I've woven my life between two diverse cultures. With a lifelong immersion in the Japanese language and a year in Japan this past year, I've come to appreciate the power of language and cultural exchange firsthand. Growing up in a multicultural home laid the foundation, but my time in Japan deepened my understanding, not just linguistically, but culturally. Now, armed with this unique perspective, I'm eager to contribute to breaking down cultural barriers, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the richness of diverse perspectives in our interconnected global community.