A Celebration of Identity

By Felicity Guajardo and Odalis Ipina Multimedia Contributors

Exploratory freshman Momono Takaishi transferred to Texas State from Japan looking for an experience of a lifetime. She set out to find a community and kind friends she heard so much about from others in her study abroad program. Takaishi has loved the warm environment and diversity that she has seen in San Marcos and at Texas State. It has been a culture shock from Japan to Texas. She has overcome adversity at the same time by having barriers that could have restricted her education in Texas. Takaishi has experienced language barriers between her professors and peers. Through available office hours, she was able to work with her professors more and better understand her coursework. Although Takaishi has faced challenges, the accepting Texas State community and the memories she has made like tubing the river with friends, like with education senior Dayton Duffy, at Sewell Park allow her to celebrate her identity and feel comfortable with not being the typical student.