Outreach Activites
While academics are a huge part of the college experience, I have participated in different activities to better prepare myself for after college. Below are different volunteer and part-time jobs I participated in and what I learned from them.
JAASC Event Volunteering
I have been involved with the Japan America Association of South Carolina (JAASC), where I volunteered at several cultural events. These opportunities allowed me to both support the Japanese-American community and learn more about traditions firsthand.
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Babysitting during the New Year Celebration: I provided childcare for families attending the New Year’s celebration, helping parents enjoy the festivities while ensuring children were engaged and cared for in a safe environment.
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Running the Ticket Booth at the Bon Odori Festival: I helped manage ticket sales for the Bon Odori summer festival, assisting guests and ensuring smooth event entry. This role gave me experience with customer service, handling money, and working efficiently in a busy cultural setting.
Clemson Book Club
My best friend, a longtime lover of reading, was upset to find that Clemson did not have an active book club, so she took matters into her own hands. Since she knew I had accounting knowledge, she recruited me to become the treasurer of her club and assist her in any event or meeting she needed help with. Managing the club’s budget taught me financial responsibility, organization, and accountability. It was rewarding to help create a welcoming space where students could share ideas and foster a love of reading.
Part-Time Jobs
Throughout my time at Clemson, I held several part-time jobs to help support myself during school, such as Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Powdersville, and the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson. Balancing work with academics gave me strong time-management skills and a solid work ethic. These experiences taught me adaptability, professionalism, and the value of perseverance, skills I continue to carry into all areas of my life.
