Moving on to a Top 50 university after the GO:50 program in Wisconsin

Marin Kawahara, from Japan, has recently been accepted to the University of Georgia (ranked #47) for Spring 2021 as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student.

As part of the GO:50 program she studied at Kings at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities, taking part in Women in STEM Club and working as a Teacher’s Assistant. We spoke with Marin about her experience as a GO:50 student.

Hi Marin, what made you pursue a college degree in the United States?

In Japan, the university system is not as flexible. I had to decide what department I wanted to enter before I started university, which I was not prepared to do. In the United States the system is much more flexible and I had time to explore different options, making sure I knew what I really wanted to study. Additionally, I wanted to be fluent in English. I felt that coming to study in the United States would help me improve my English. I think the opportunity to learn English is very useful because it allows me to communicate with more people around the globe.

What major are you interested in, and why?

"I want to earn a degree in Biochemistry because I would like to pursue a career in the medical field. I would one day like to be a doctor."

I have job shadowed various roles in the medical field. Doing so, I met a doctor who I found to be very inspirational. He is the one who inspired me to pursue medical school.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I complete my undergraduate degree, I would like to pursue medical school in the United States. Eventually, I would like to go back to Japan to practice medicine.

Have you decided on your target schools? How did Kings staff guide you through the process?

I have been accepted to the University of Georgia. I decided to go there because I feel that their program will help me prepare for medical school.

"When I first started to think about transferring, I didn’t have any Target Schools. My Kings Progression Advisor helped recommend schools for me to consider while also helping me to start thinking about medical schools. She helped me at every step in my application process, which was extremely helpful."

Why did you choose to study at Kings at UWO, Fox Cities?

The environment here is really good for studying. I am always able to focus on my studies. Additionally, I knew it would be a good place for me to practice my English skills because there are very few people here who speak Japanese.

What is your favorite class, why do you like it?

My favorite class was Calculus. I took Calculus in high school, but I enjoyed taking it in university much more. There was a discussion and problem solving section, which allowed us to work in groups. It was really interesting to collaborate with others.

What class do you find more challenging?

"The class I found the most challenging was my Writing-Based Inquiry Seminar. There was discussion every class where we had to talk about articles we read and wrote about. Initially, I found it so difficult. However, all my classmates were very kind and shared feedback that made me a better student."

Have there been any difficulties with classes or life in general? What kind of assistance did you get from Kings staff?

Kings helped me adjust to the area. They took me to the local Asian stores, which I never would have been able to find by myself. Kings also helped introduce me to other students. I really enjoyed being able to talk with other students and share my Japanese culture with others.

Which student activity did you enjoy the most?

My favorite activity was Taste of Nations. Once a month we would meet to learn about a specific country. There was a presentation and then we were able to sample food from that country as well. It was really interesting to learn about different cultures more deeply and I enjoyed trying food from different countries.

What is your favorite part of living in Menasha?

The people! People here are so kind and friendly. Everyone was always interested in learning more about Japanese culture so it was a fun way to get to know people.

Marin's Study Plan

The study plan that Marin followed across her 4 semesters at UWO-Fox Cities was as below: