students in lounge
Resources

Name: Tomoya Nishira

Year: Exchange Student (BA of 20')

Major: Sociology (gender/ sexuality and global studies)

Hometown: Himeji City, Hyogo, Japan

 

1.    What brought you to the Women's Center?

I got to know about the program through the email from the coordinator of this program. To be honest, I was not sure why I received such an invitation as I had not been to the United States before, but at the same time, I felt this would be the great opportunity for me to be part of the Charlottesville community and reflecting my transnational experiences.

 

2.    If you could describe YWLP or MLP in 3 words, how would you describe it?

Mutual trust, Respect and Love

 

3.    What other organizations are you involved with at UVA?

I am currently working as a Multicultural Peer Educator at UVA Multicultural Student Services.

 

4.    How has a mentor impacted you?

I would say the friends I made in the college are the mentors who have inspired me the most. Through talking and interacting with them, I learned so many things such as trusting other people, being honest and open about myself.

 

5.    If you could choose anyone, who would you choose to be your mentor?

Emma Watson? Her speech in the UN HeForShe campaign impressed me a lot.

 

6.    What would you most like to tell your 13-year-old self?

Being yourself and respecting other people. I know this is simple, but it is such a difficult thing. I think this is especially true for teenagers who live in the relatively closed community, and it is easy to feel judged by others. You spend the most time with yourself, which is why it's so important to be proud who you are.