I was born in Torrance but grew up in metro Detroit. I did a summer homestay study abroad program in Tokyo when I was in high school and it ignited my passion for international travel and learning about other cultures. I continued to study Japanese and attended Michigan State University. While I was there, I studied abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo and made friends with students from all around the world. After graduating, I went on to teach English in Japan and got to experience being on the other side of the podium.
After returning to the U.S. I continued to use my acquired knowledge of Japanese language and culture to bridge the communication gap between Japan and the west in business, and I took every opportunity I could get to travel. When I recently had the chance to come back to LA, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. LA has so much to offer for people who enjoy a global atmosphere. I’ve really enjoyed exploring all of the different restaurants, cultural events, sunshine and walking up and down the beach. It’s a great change from the harsh Michigan winters.
In my free time I like to play guitar, study Japanese, listen to music and read. I also like to stay active by running, swimming, doing yoga, lifting weights and going on the occasional hike or snowboarding trip.
I know how hard it can be to live, work and study in a foreign country, but I also know the tremendous benefits it can bring. I hope to pass on the kindness and generosity I’ve received along my own journey to the students at ECLA. My message to future ECLA students is that in addition to improving your skills in English, you will make friends and memories which you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
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EC offers various English Courses, including English for academic purposes in Los Angeles.