Kokona Tadatomo, from Japan, will be continuing her journey at University of California, Berkeley — ranked #1 public university in the U.S. and #15 overall — after beginning her studies as a sociology major at California State University, Fullerton. She brings a thoughtful awareness of people and culture into every part of her life.
She is a dancer and dance has never been just an activity. It’s been a language, a leadership role, and a daily practice of discipline.
During her time in school, she stepped into the role of Dance Leader, guiding her peers through both creative and logistical challenges. She didn’t just perform, she organized rehearsals, developed choreography, and helped unify her team for multiple showcases. Her leadership wasn’t loud or forceful; it was steady, intentional, and rooted in responsibility. Over time, she accumulated approximately 880 hours in this role, balancing consistency with creativity while supporting the growth of those around her.
But what truly sets Kokona apart is what happens when no one is watching.
Outside of school, she commits herself to independent dance training every single day. Whether refining technique, strengthening her performance quality, or pushing through physical fatigue, she dedicates around three hours daily to her craft, adding up to over 1,000 hours each year.
As a sociology major, Kokona sees dance through a wider lens. Movement becomes a way to understand identity, community, and expression across cultures. She studies how people connect and then lives it through choreography and collaboration.
Her dedication translated into multiple top university offers. In addition to Berkeley, Kokona was also accepted into University of California, Irvine (#32), University of California, Davis (#32), and University of California, Riverside (#75) — a reflection of the strength and depth of her overall profile.
With a 3.8 GPA, Kokona has demonstrated strong academic performance, but her journey highlights something even more important: top universities are looking beyond the numbers.
Behind her transfer to Berkeley was not just hard work, but strategy. With the support of her Kings student success advisor, Kokona spent hours refining her application, shaping her story, and presenting a profile that reflected her leadership, discipline, and passion.
When she shared the news, she was absolutely beaming. Her excitement was impossible to miss. It was a moment that captured not just achievement, but the passion and effort behind it.
Her journey reflects something deeper than talent. It shows discipline, leadership, and a long-term commitment to growth. Kokona isn’t just building skills, she’s building a life shaped by intention, creativity, and resilience.
