In the months after I quit dancing due to injury, I struggled to find my place. Dance had been my lifeline for 15 years, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and artistry – all of which I found transferable yet challenging to harness in new contexts.

 

Community college had not been my first choice, but it was the most logical in the aftermath of injury and, as fate would have it, the right choice. My time at community college became a transformative period, culminating in my graduation with Summa Cum Laude honors in Communication Studies and Liberal Arts & Sciences. I even had the opportunity to continue working for COC after I transferred to UC Santa Barbara, taking on the responsibility of formatting and distributing educational materials.

 

Unexpectedly, I found my calling in this work. It was eye-opening to learn more about barriers in academia, how they can financially impede students, and how I could make a difference. I even had the opportunity to speak in favor of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) programs at the 2022 Cal OER Conference and 2023 California Community College Board of Governors' meeting, the latter of which led to Governor Newsom’s distribution of $115 million towards ZTC programs.

 

My academic journey also continued to flourish at UC Santa Barbara, where a study abroad experience at the International Christian University in Japan enriched my global perspective. This exposure – coupled with my ongoing dedication to accessibility – has further propelled me to academic and professional pursuits aimed at promoting inclusive, diverse learning environments.

 

Alongside my academic pursuits, my passion for writing has emerged as a powerful tool for advocacy and expression as well. I've since contributed to publications like The Rafu Shimpo, Discover Nikkei, The Daily Nexus, and CCCOER, writing a range of personal and professional pieces that amplify voices and encourage inclusive discourse.

 

As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that challenges are not roadblocks but, rather, catalysts for growth and change. Drawing from the discipline and perseverance instilled in me through those years of dance, these challenges have ultimately inspired me to advocate for a more accessible and equitable future.