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Testimonials

As I start my first week in college, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the years. I started at the dojo in 4th grade earning the various belts that I will treasure and look upon fondly for the rest of my life. With the training that you have instilled in me, I was truly honored to be awarded the prestigious Black Belt from the International Ryu-Te Association three years ago. I am proud of my achievements, but this recognition has motivated me to further pursue greater goals and achievements. In short, without this training, I would not be the person I am today.

To prepare for a successful and fulfilling career, it is important to study hard and be well-rounded in my activities, but one also needs to be involved in the community. Being a member of the Ryu Shu Taiko group has not only fulfilled this aspect, but has been culturally rewarding, physically challenging, and down-right FUN! Although I have not been able to join you for the last 2 years, I am with you in spirit. Please send my regards to all the members of Ryu Shu Taiko.

This month, I begin my undergraduate career as a freshman at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. I was accepted into five universities and chose to attend Northeastern due to its extensive Co-op program which is ranked #1 of its kind in the nation. It is a 5-year undergraduate program consisting of a full 4-year curriculum with three 6-month experience-based job assignments in my chosen field of study. With today’s economy, to graduate with 18 months of “real” work experience is paramount. As a candidate for a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, I plan to take full advantage of what the Co-op program has to offer in the Boston area, and possibly, around the world.

It does not take one single aspect of a person’s resume to gain acceptance, but the entire package. You were a part of that package. Thank you for the supportive words in your letter of recommendation. With your recommendation as a part of my package, I was accepted into Carnegie Mellon U, Northeastern U, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Stony Brook U, and Syracuse U. I was offered substantial scholarships at four of the universities and accepted into the Honors Program at two. I decided to accept the Dean’s Merit Scholarship from Northeastern (which brought much joy from my parents) and enroll in their Honors Program. The meal plan here is international with a variety of choices daily and my dorm room on the 9th floor overlooks the campus grounds in the heart of Boston.

Thank you again for your support. I will keep you posted on my progress and will come to visit now and then….especially during the annual Sakura Matsuri festivals.

Warmest regards,
Ryan