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“Since first grade, as a child from a needy, single-parent home, I have devoted myself to accepting and promoting multicultural values.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Akito was given his first opportunity to learn about foreign relations when he spent three weeks at Dickinson College studying international politics and completing a research paper on the International Court of Justice. With the help of the Foundation, he was able to spend four weeks in Okayama, Japan, a life-altering trip that further developed his love of languages and interest in global politics. He has since studied law and policy with Brian Wolfman through the Foundation’s Advanced Mentorship Program.
PROFILE: Born in Japan and raised in the US, Akito loves all things international. “Cultural enrichment has been paramount to my development as a successful, well-rounded individual. Learning and speaking foreign languages is hugely important to me because I believe that unhindered communication is the key to building relationships and working towards peace.”
INSPIRATION: Akito’s mother has been the single most important influence in his life. “My mother’s perseverance, encouragement, and genuine acts of philanthropy have inspired me to pursue my own humanitarian goals.”
ASPIRATION: To become a foreign policy advisor or Secretary-General of the United Nations, “furthering the visions and missions of men like President Wilson, who sought peace and progress for the world.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Akito is a Peer Leader at his high school, assisting younger students through tutoring and counseling sessions, as well as a Buddy Council Member. He volunteered in Chicago for a week with the Foundation’s CivicWeek Program, focusing on inner-city youth education.
ACCOLADES: Akito is an AP Scholar with Honors and a National Merit Scholarship Winner. He has self-studied Latin and won four gold medals in the National Latin Exam.
INTERESTING FACT: Akito was a contestant on Jeopardy! Kids in 2001.
Ryan Catala
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Columbia University
Ryan Baril
College Scholar
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Donna Gosbee
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Texas A & M University - Commerce
Alison Chopel
Graduate Scholar
University of California, Berkeley