NSCS Monthly Newsletters January 2014 | Page 15

National Society for Collegiate Scholars January Newsletter | University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Chapter Aloha, and welcome to NSCS! Originally from Uzbekistan, I immigrated to America when I was 8 years old. I lived in Austin, Texas until two years ago, which is when I moved to the beautiful islands -- it was definitely a climate change! I am currently a sophomore doublemajoring in Political Science and Japanese Language, with a focus on U.S. – Japan Relations, Indigenous Politics, and the Hokkaido Island. As an Upper Division honors student, I am beginning my honors thesis and project. My research will be an ethnography-biography of the Ainu of Hokkaido, Japan and an exploration of the Ainu’s political and societal existence in modern Japanese society. Recently, I attended the 65th Japan-America Student Conference held in UC Berkeley and traveled to Japan for a month during the summer of 2013 as one of 36 American delegates and traveled with 36 Japanese delegates. As amazing and lifechanging this experience was, it most importantly made me realize that I do want to work in diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Japan! Though many of us have busy lives, I highly encourage you, as a student, to get involved in as much as you can with organizations on- and off-campus. Get the most out of your college experience! In NSCS, the officers are here to provide opportunities for you to get involved on campus, to help you engage in your community, and to inspire you to continue to serve yourself and others beyond college. Shoot for the stars & have fun! “Shoot for the stars”