When I first heard about PEAK in high school in the States, I was naturally intrigued. I’ve always enjoyed exploring different cultures and being able to broaden my perspectives through various experiences. So when I got the acceptance letter from the University of Tokyo, there was very little hesitation.

September 2012, I joined the first batch of PEAK. The moment I met the other PEAK students, I knew immediately that they would become one of the most important people in my life. There were a bit under 30 of us in the batch and we all came from different backgrounds with different insights and perspectives. We were able to connect through the new lifestyle Tokyo had offered us and were able to grow together by exchanging knowledge, views, and cultures.

Apart from the amazing group of friends and faculty, PEAK also allowed me an opportunity to go abroad and study in Beijing University as an exchange student in my junior year. This profoundly helped further my interest and passion in East Asian studies.

By the time I was graduating PEAK, I had decided that I wanted to experience the Japanese society hands-on through working in Japan. Since April 2017, I have been working as a digital marketer in Rakuten, Inc. in the global marketing department where I am utilizing 100% of what PEAK had offered me for 4 years.

PEAK will always have a special place in my heart. I encourage those who are adventurous and curious to join PEAK and experience what I was able to enjoy and gain through the program.