Class of 2022
This past week I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
After 5 years of study, a change in my major, and a 2 year break in-between classes to serve a church mission in Japan, I am finished with my degree! It feels surreal to think that my time on campus is finished, that I won’t be in classes with my friends anymore, and that I won’t have to endure a finals week ever again!
I have been so fortunate to have a wonderful and life-changing experience as a student at BYU. I was able to study something that I love, and be surrounded with people who also shared the same passion. Of all the things I’ve learned at BYU, my further love of photography and love for my fellow classmates (and friends), have to be the highlight.
From our entry-level class as budding artists, we have been together every step of the way. Through our successes, and our tearful critiques, we have grown and become more resilient, more steadfast, and more creative individuals. I am so grateful for my friends and cannot wait to see where our lives take us.
Speaking at Convocation
I had the unique and special opportunity to speak at my convocation. I was so honored to have been chosen to represent my program! The speech topic was open, and I brainstormed for days about what I should share.
A couple months ago, my mom and I took a trip to San Francisco and were wandering around Japantown when we came across these huge Japanese Daruma dolls, the same type of doll that I photographed on Baachan’s head for my heritage project, The Taguchi Legacy. In Japanese culture, the Daruma doll is used when you have a big goal you are trying to achieve. For example, entrance into your dream college, marriage, getting a job, etc. These dolls come with no eyes. You fill in one eye when you decide on your goal, and fill in the other eye once you reach it.
It was on this trip to San Francisco that my mom shared with me the meaning behind the Daruma doll I had photographed for my project. Prior to this, I thought the doll was just a cool decoration. I didn’t know there was any history!
The Daruma was my grandfathers, with the goal of graduating from BYU, the school I was attending. He took classes but never had the chance to finish his degree, which is why there was one eye left unfilled. I couldn’t believe it! I was making photographs of this family heirloom without knowing the history behind it.
It was shortly after this conversation that I was asked to speak at convocation. While brainstorming with my parents what I should speak about, the topic of the Daruma came up. The fact that I was graduating from BYU, the very school that my grandfather set his goal toward, was not lost on us. We realized, in a small way, that my graduation from BYU was fulfilling my grandfather’s goal.
From there, the speech flowed and was written with ease (with my Dad’s help, of course). It was incredible to be able to share about my grandparents and mom moving to America from Japan with all their hopes and dreams, and about the impact that Brigham Young University has left on me.
I am so grateful for the chance that I had to speak, and more-so, the opportunity that I was given to slow down and really think about what graduating from BYU means to me. My time here has truly changed me forever.
If you would like to view my speech, the video is linked below.
After the Ceremony
I was so fortunate to have almost all of my family at my graduation, cheering me on and wishing me well. I felt on top of the world coming off the stage and meeting them! Each of these people have played a huge part in my life! I couldn’t have better people in my corner.
I am so grateful for the experiences that I have had at BYU. My love of photography, love of learning, and love of my Savior, have grown beyond belief while pursuing my degree. I feel that I am leaving my college career with an excitement for new possibilities and a trust in God that things will always work out, no matter the circumstance.
Who knows where life will take me next! I feel that I have been led by God to all the wonderful things in my life that have happened thus-far, and don’t doubt that there is much more in store. Here’s to the future!
