Kaya Terada, the niece of NVC Lifetime Member Tom Kometani, is a graduating high school senior at Kentridge High School. During her time at Kentridge, Terada has held the positions of captain of the junior varsity and varsity volleyball team. In addition, Terada is an active member of the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple, holding various positions on the Jr. Young Buddhist Association. Terada is a current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and will be attending Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA this Fall to study nursing. 

Essay Prompt: Based on the NVC Women’s Auxiliary motto, “…to support and serve”, give an example that aligns with this statement from your own community service experience. How has the experience changed you? How do you see this act of service influencing your personal and/or educational goals? What role will you play in community with others in the future?

As a fifth generation Japanese American, being proud of my culture and serving my community are values that were instilled into me by my grandparents.  Hearing my family’s difficult stories of being incarcerated because of their race and their post-World War II experiences, I feel that there is an obligation to do my best and serve others with the vast opportunities that I have. 

Throughout high school, I have dedicated my time to exploring my purpose and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. Joining the National Honor Society, serving as a Co-President of the Junior Young Buddhist Association, and even volunteering at the Senior Living Home to teach chair aerobics have contributed to and showcased my drive for giving back.

This commitment expanded further when I embraced the role of a Public Health Youth Ambassador for Seattle and King County. In essence, a Public Health Youth Ambassador’s work is to inspire positive health outcomes and foster a culture of well-being among peers and within the broader community. I learned about the disparities within the detention and correctional system, the lack of health care for underserved populations, and the need for a more equitable way to prevent illnesses in our community. Through this program, I learned about the many challenges that are not often discussed taking place in our community. Through these experiences, I believe that protecting people’s health starts with providing access to high quality and equitable healthcare. Socially defined circumstances and differences should not stand in the way of patients getting the proper help and care they need, which is why I want to become a registered nurse and will be attending nursing school starting in the fall of 2024.

In addition, community service within the Kumamoto Kenjin Kai has been an impactful journey, embodying the principle “to support and serve.” The Kumamoto Kenjin Kai is a 117-year-old organization that connects and invites individuals to come together celebrating the heritage or ancestry from Kumamoto, a prefecture in Japan. Being a junior board member for four years, I have seen how the association serves as a way for people with interconnected and similar roots to commemorate culture and community. As I volunteered for various initiatives within the organization, the reciprocal nature of service became evident, leading to transformative changes within myself. As a junior board member, I helped plan and execute gatherings such as New Year’s parties, family picnics, and educational trips to explore more about Japanese American history.

Being so young, I was fortunate to hear and observe the board members and learned what it takes to run a non-profit. Furthermore, they were open to hearing my thoughts and perspectives on engaging the youth. Through this, we navigated together, the direction to become more inclusive and engaging for all ages, and I see that leadership can foster a sense of unity and interconnectedness. In serving the Kumamoto Kenjin Kai members, I have made multi-generational connections and want to help preserve the legacy of this group and ensure its continuance and relevance of passing down Japanese culture and traditions into the future. I want to follow the elderly that have continued to support these communities and non-profit organizations despite the disparities and struggles throughout their lives. As I ponder about my future, I know that I have so many more opportunities than they were offered or could achieve at the time. My mindset and motivations are rooted in the foundation of those who came before me and showed me the importance of perseverance and altruism. 

My multifaceted community service experiences, from high school engagements to my role in Kumamoto Kenjin Kai, coalesced to influence my educational aspirations of becoming a registered nurse. The job itself is to holistically support and serve others. In order to effectively give back to my many communities, I am motivated to give back to any and every community I come across. Acts of service have heightened my awareness of the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds within my peers, I want to incorporate cultural sensitivity into my nursing practice. Looking ahead, I envision playing a vital role in society by bridging cultural understanding and healthcare advocacy. 

As a nurse, I strive to serve my community’s well-being by addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to quality care. I aim to contribute and reciprocate the support I have received from the communities that have played a significant role in my journey. By blending my cultural insights from my experiences of serving others, I want to speak up for those who are not heard and step up to support those who are underrepresented. Learning through the sharing of wisdom and the voices that seek for assistance, I will continue to be fueled with the motivation to give back and contribute to my community in a meaningful way. I want to make my ancestors proud by being a catalyst for positive change, advocating for inclusivity and fostering health and well-being within the communities I serve.