Rachel Yamakawa Wins Fulbright

May 15, 2006
Contact: Andy Faught

Rachel Yamakawa, a senior economics major – and Japanese minor – at Occidental College, has been awarded a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship to teach English classes at a middle or high school in South Korea. Starting in July, she will spend 13 months in the country, where she also will pursue her research interests in economics.

 “I believe the experience will help to strengthen my perspective to be a contributing citizen in our increasingly diverse and interdependent world,” Yamakawa said. “Furthermore, as a result of South Korea’s recent economic growth, an increasing income inequality has developed with the country working to reduce poverty by increasing social capital through education. Teaching in Korea will allow me to be part of this educational movement and I look forward to the challenges ahead of me.”

Yamakawa joins Occidental students Hailey Crowel ’06 of Lahaina, Hawaii, Shana Khader ’05 of Los Angeles, and Becca Shellock ’06 of Whitehall, Pa., in winning Fulbrights this year. Occidental students and alumni have amassed 12 Fulbrights since 2003.

The Fulbright program, which covers travel, education and living expenses, was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas.