Hi everyone!! My name is Joy Yamagiwa, and I am a 4th year studying International Business and International Affairs with a concentration in Marketing. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up traveling between Osaka, Japan, and Amherst, Massachusetts.
Summer Highlight
The highlight of my summer was the fantastic day my friends planned for me for my birthday. As a summer baby, I’m used to spending my birthday away from my loved ones, but college has made it especially hard because I don’t even get to see my family. But this year, my friends decided to surprise me in Boston!
What Happened:
On the evening of my birthday, I was in my dorm kitchen, studying for a summer class, depressed that I didn’t even have money to buy myself a birthday cupcake. But then, I heard a loud knock at the door with some giggles and opened it, confused but curious. My two closest friends, Mandi and Miya, jumped in and hugged me. My eyes teared up, although I tried to hide it from them with a smile. They had come when I needed them most, whether they knew it or not.
The next day, they let me sleep in while they went to Target to buy me a new trashcan, a pack of my favorite juice, fairy lights, and more! This was in addition to the beautiful gifts they gave me, such as Jamaican soap, a hand-made jewerly holder, eye masks, a Brita water filter, a computer stand, and heart-felt letters. I was beyond grateful.
After the gifts, they took me to Boston Commons for my first swan boat ride since moving to Boston (I know, it’s about time, haha). They also took countless cute photos of me because they know I love posting on Instagram. Then, we went to a bookstore where they secretly bought me a book I had been DYING to read forever. At this point, I was feeling like a spoiled princess. The bookstore had a cafe, where we enjoyed a fancy brunch before finally returning to my dorm.
After a delicious dinner of CAVA, we chatted about the olden days and played Truth or Dare like we were back in middle school. I hadn’t laughed so hard in ages. Then, for dessert, we enjoyed the beautiful blueberry cheesecake they had bought for me when I wasn’t looking. I usually stray away from eating sweet/ so-called ‘unhealthy’ foods because, that day, I was so happy that I genuinely enjoyed it. My two best friends had made me feel warm, safe, and loved. If you are reading this, guys, I love you so much! Thanks for everything.
My Second Home:
Finally, I became an AAC intern because I needed a safe space on campus where I could let down my guard other than my dorm room. The AAC is a fun, welcoming community where students can work on assignments, make friends, and learn about Asian-American organizations on campus. As a Japanese second-generation immigrant, the AAC became my second home. It hasn’t hurt that Rachel, my boss, is one of the kindest Northeastern faculty I’ve ever met. She genuinely cares about students, has always helped me with references, and has checked on me.
I am so excited to work at the AAC again, and I hope to become friends with some of you!
Best,
Joy
