Alumna of the Month: Yu Sato
By Yu Sato, May 20, 2015
Yu Sato AA Green River College (2011-2013) BS Molecular Environmental Biology UC Berkeley (2013-2015), DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - (Admitted for 2015-2019).
My name is Yu Sato and I’m originally from Tokyo, Japan. I came to the U.S. for the first time in 2010 after graduating from my high school in Japan. After studying English (IEP) at Green River for a year, I then studied another 2 years in the academic program. In 2013, I transferred to UC Berkeley from Green River College. I am graduating from UC Berkeley in May, and pursuing further education at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the #1 School of veterinary medicine in the world. I just cannot describe how much I appreciate Green River College. I would not have been able to make it this far without my time at Green River College.
Green River College was the starting point to the adventure ahead of me. I can confidently say that Green River helped me grow into the person I am today. Growing up in Japan, I barely spoke a word of English. Green River was a perfect place for me to become familiar with culture in U.S. and slowly adjust to my new life. The small-scale classes and friendly teachers, in combination with a diverse student body rekindled my motivation to pursue my goal. I would like to send my special thanks to the International Program Office Adviser Team who always had my back, and took their time to give sincere advice on a one-on-one basis. I am also confident that Green River College equipped me with the exact experiences necessary to thrive at UC Berkeley and in life. I was a marketing assistant in the International Programs Office. The following year, I was elected as the Vice President of ASGRCC. These experiences gave me a solid foundation in leadership and management skills. Although it was unclear what I truly wanted to do with my life when I first came here, guidance and support from the staff, resources, and opportunities at Green River helped me discover my true passion for veterinary medicine, which then led me on the path that I am on today. Currently, I am interested in pursuing the field of One Health (integrating of human and veterinary medicine with perspective of public health). I have been fortunate enough to gain some relevant experience in South Africa and Mongolia!
The road here has been long and hard, but by keeping up my grades while simultaneously getting experience in the veterinary field, I was able to get into my dream school. I am really proud of my accomplishments over these past few years, and I am so relieved to have survived the long application and interview processes for veterinary school. Although I am one step closer to my goal of becoming a veterinarian, I still have a long way to go before my next dream is accomplished. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my journey has in store for me. Today I am at UC Berkeley. Yesterday I was at Green River. Tomorrow I will be at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. There is never a today or tomorrow without yesterday. Yesterday is what I will remember as I walked down the road to self-actualization. It all started at Green River College, and it is true that you can go anywhere from Green River College!
