Extracurricular Activities List

Book Off U.S.A.

While working at this job, I have gained skills of customer service orientation, communication, and time management. Since this store is a retail book store targeted towards Japanese readers in America, I had to utilize my bilingualism to give full customer support to both American and Japanese customers. The manager taught me customer service orientation through strict manual the company follows. This manual not only taught me procedures, but emotional side also. Specifically, it taught me motivation and dedication towards everything that I do. During the time I worked at Book Off, I worked with numerous people with especially wide range of age. Through this experience I learned how to communicate with respect for people older and also younger then myself. A very valuable communication experience came when I became the sub-manager of the store, this is because I had to have authority over elders but still be in position where I respect them. Through this experience I gained valuable communication skills with others. Lastly, I developed how to time manage my schedules. With school, work, and extracurricular activities going on throughout the week, I had to time manage when to do my homework, when to schedule my shift, and when to go to practice. It was a challenging task to manage all three activities as once, plus any leisure time desired, but the experience help me organize my daily schedule and limit my  procrastination. As a result, I was more focused for each activity which brought my grades up and succeed to be an instructor for my Kendo Dojo. 

Southern California Kendo Organization

Although I could list many things I gained through "Kendo", Japanese martial arts, the most valuable and proud thing I developed during this experience is leadership. As a young child or any beginner that is starting anything, it is very important to have good "older brother" type of figure. In my "Dojo", gymnasium where Kendo is practiced, I had many "older brother" that taught me not only Kendo, but spirit and passion towards life also. As I obtained the rank as an instructor, I am now obligated and enthusiastic about leading these younger players to success, not only in Kendo, but in life as well. During every tournament we compete, now I am the one who sit by their side and teach them skills, strategy, and manner that is necessary for success. Also by leading and instructing the kids, it reevaluates and refocuses my own attitudes towards my goal. I am currently leading the Team Southern California Kendo Organization for the All United States National Championship Tournament that is held every three years.