Introducing myself and my journal

About Me:
I'm working on a PhD in Japanese literature and film at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. In my spare time I love cooking, painting, blogging about film, literature, and social issues, and exploring L.A. I volunteer with a wonderful organization called WriteGirl, which matches teen girls with professional women writers to encourage them to find their own creative voice and develop self-confidence through writing. I try to stay involved in local and national politics, and I'm committed to doing what I can to make the world a better place.

My Passions:
Education, women's rights, changing minds through art and creativity, food, literature.

My Challenges:
Finishing what I start, voicing unpopular opinions, letting the little things go.

My Vision for the Future:
A world where everyone has access to education, healthcare, and a life free of violence, and where gender discrimination has been eliminated.

My Areas of Expertise:
Language (Japanese), teaching (English language, composition, drama), writing, editing, voice acting, public speaking.