N Our Voice
I know everyone talks about how difficult it is to learn the English language, but I love speaking English.
In some ways, I prefer it over my native tongue.
I'm sure that sounds strange coming from someone who was born and raised in Japan, but when I speak English, I'm far more conversational.
I'm able to express more of my personality.
I started learning English when I was three years old.
While it was tough – and still is for me at times today – I knew from a young age that I wanted to live in the United States one day.
Part of this is because exploring other countries is in my blood.
My mom was a snowboarder, and my dad was a skier. They explored countries across the world, and I wanted that same experience, too.
My main reason for coming to the United States, though, was to challenge myself.
Let's be honest, I wouldn't have chosen to play golf competitively if I didn't enjoy a challenge.
As I improved my game, I determined golf would be how I'd punch my ticket to the U.S.
Specifically, to play at the collegiate level.
I didn't know where, but I was to give everything I had to play college golf and embrace every challenge that came with it.