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2025 GVJCI Summer Intern Reflections
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Hi! My name is Kristi Ikemoto. Reflecting on my time with the GVJCI as a Programs and Events Intern, I not only gained valuable professional skills in event coordination and sponsorship initiatives, but also developed a deeper connection with the Japanese American community—one that continues to shape the person I am today.
I grew up closely tied to the JA community, from playing in basketball leagues since kindergarten to participating in Yonsei. My aspiration to make a lasting impact within the community is reflected in my involvement with the Nikkei Student Union on campus and ultimately led me to pursue this internship. It offered both professional growth and the chance to align with my personal values and identity. This experience has given me meaningful relationships with fellow interns, staff, and community members, and being part of large-scale events such as Matsuri, Tanoshii Camp, and planning the very first Car Show has been especially rewarding. These moments allowed me to see the tangible impact of my work. As I continue to grow academically and professionally, I will carry the lessons I’ve learned this summer with me and strive to pay them forward in the future. |
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Hi My name is Hina Kaizuka. As an intern from Japan, I mostly worked on the Japanese translation of GVJCI Website. It was so informative. I had checked the meaning of the original sentence and the original translation. Though the translations were not incorrect, they were sometimes unnatural or too formal due to direct translation. In addition to these checking, I had to consider what the best phrase or word to express the warm and kind atmosphere which this organization has. Those works definitely strengthened not only my English literally and also my Japanese.In addition to the desk work, I communicated with various people through TOMO cafe, Obento pick up, and the classic car show. All the meetings were wonderful for me, improving my speaking skill. Even after I go back to Japan, I hope to build my career by using the knowledge and experience I gained here.
I appreciate all of your kind help and giving me this valuable experience. |
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Hi! My name is Kelsie Kato and I am one of the summer interns for the GVJCI this year! I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and support that I gained during my internship at the Gardena Valley JCI this past summer. It was exciting to be part of such an important institution within the Japanese American community, a community that I hold very close to my heart. This internship allowed me to grow in so many ways. Professionally, I developed a deeper understanding of the hard work, dedication, and attention to detail that go into organizing the many programs and large scale events hosted at the JCI. One of my favorite experiences was participating in the Annual Summer Matsuri, where I learned firsthand the coordination and community spirit required to bring such a beloved tradition to life. In addition, I came to appreciate the importance of social media in building connections and community engagement. Through dozens of Instagram posts, I was able to help promote and showcase all that the JCI has to offer, reaching people of all ages and bringing them together through shared experiences and stories. Personally, this internship was just as rewarding. I had the privilege of meeting many kind and dedicated individuals who welcomed me warmly and provided me guidance and encouragement throughout my time here. The relationships I formed and the lessons I learned will stay with me for years to come. I am leaving this internship feeling inspired and more connected than ever to my community. I am truly thankful to everyone at the GVJCI for giving me this opportunity and for making this summer so memorable!
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Hi! My name is Christy Kaneshige. My time at the GVJCI can be described as fulfilling and heartwarming. Growing up in North Torrance, about 5 minutes from the JCI, I often frequented the JCI and have attended the annual Matsuri countless times, so being able to give back to not only the JA community, but my own local community has been amazing. My experience helping with the Matsuri has not only polished my skills in media creation, but also has allowed me to see and bond with the community of Gardena. Apart from Matsuri, the Tanoshii day camp was also a highlight of my time here. Connecting with the younger generation and teaching them about WW2 incarceration was truly such a meaningful experience. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the amazing interns and staff. I loved working with each and every single person, and I look forward to coming back and volunteering in the future.
Reflecting on my time with the GVJCI as a Programs and Events Intern, I not only gained valuable professional skills in event coordination and sponsorship initiatives, but also developed a deeper connection with the Japanese American community—one that continues to shape the person I am today. I grew up closely tied to the JA community, from playing in basketball leagues since kindergarten to participating in Yonsei. My aspiration to make a lasting impact within the community is reflected in my involvement with the Nikkei Student Union on campus and ultimately led me to pursue this internship. It offered both professional growth and the chance to align with my personal values and identity. This experience has given me meaningful relationships with fellow interns, staff, and community members, and being part of large-scale events such as Matsuri, Tanoshii Camp, and planning the very first Car Show has been especially rewarding. These moments allowed me to see the tangible impact of my work. As I continue to grow academically and professionally, I will carry the lessons I’ve learned this summer with me and strive to pay them forward in the future. |
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Hi my name is Yurika Mahr. Interning at the Gardena Valley JCI has been such a pleasure, and was full of both fun and learning experiences. Growing up with a mother from Japan, I had always been exposed to Japanese culture, but never the Japanese American experience. This internship provided me with an introduction to the community that I was seeking, and I was able to meet and interact with individuals that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. One of the highlights for this internship was being able to be a part of this year’s Matsuri, and seeing how close knit a community Gardena is.
In terms of practical skills, all of the preparation for a large event like Matsuri helped me develop my organizational skills and gain familiarity with services I had not really used before, such as Mailchimp and Canva. Another highlight from this internship was the Tanoshii Fun Camp, where I was allowed the opportunity to lead a workshop with my mother. I am looking to pursue a career as an educator, so being able to actually get hands on and teach children was like a dream come true. I also really enjoyed working with my mother, as I haven’t really had the chance to work with her in a professional setting in the past. I will always look back fondly at my time interning at Gardena Valley JCI. I’m so thankful to the fellow interns and staff that treated me with kindness and patience all throughout my time here. I will be sure to keep in touch, and hope to be back as a volunteer in the future! |
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy | 非差別的ポリシーの告知
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational and admissions policies or programs.
ガーデナ平原日本文化会館は人種、肌の色、国籍または民族を問わず、学校で生徒が一般に認められている、又は利用できるすべての権利、特権、プログラム、及び活動を認めています。教育および入学のポリシーまたはプログラムの管理において、人種、肌の色、国籍または民族に基づいて差別しません。
ガーデナ平原日本文化会館は人種、肌の色、国籍または民族を問わず、学校で生徒が一般に認められている、又は利用できるすべての権利、特権、プログラム、及び活動を認めています。教育および入学のポリシーまたはプログラムの管理において、人種、肌の色、国籍または民族に基づいて差別しません。
