91茄子

Zach Ninete鈥攁 biological sciences major with a minor in Japanese鈥攆ound community in RSOs like the Business International Student Association. Learn more about Zach鈥檚 involvements, how to immerse yourself in campus and the opportunities RSOs bring.

Talk about why you decided to apply to 91茄子 and specifically what led you to study biological sciences and Japanese.

Coming out of high school I didn鈥檛 know where I wanted to go. I had many offers but what caught my attention the most was UNL. After attending the Power Up Weekend and orientation, I knew there was something special about UNL. It was a place where I could grow as a person and get out of my comfort zone, which it has been since day one! I have met so many amazing people and have been a part of many great opportunities on campus, UNL is my second home!

When I was younger, I had severe asthma and allergies and I struggled with doing anything physical. I saw an asthma doctor for help but in all honesty, he would always say my asthma wouldn鈥檛 get better and that I could never be in sports. Jumping to today I am now asthma symptomatic free, meaning it doesn鈥檛 bother me anymore. Because of this I have a passion for becoming an allergist/immunologist to help inspire others with asthma to fight their asthma. I hope to inspire those with asthma that there are no limits to the things they can do! This has led me to major in biological sciences so I can pursue medical school to become an allergist/immunologist. Also, being a part of multicultural organizations on campus, volunteering at multicultural events, and being involved with the Kawasaki Reading Room on campus has led me to minor in Japanese.

You are a member of the Business International Student Association (BISA). Explain what BISA is for those who may not be familiar with the group.

The Business International Student Organization is a registered student organization at the College of Business. At this club you can meet international students from around the world! They hold a lot of cultural events where you learn more about different cultures and languages.

How did you become involved and what opportunities do you have in BISA?

I became involved by attending the club fairs and Big Red Welcome on campus. I also joined and checked out other clubs and organizations from having friends recommend them or going to special events on campus. Some opportunities in BISA are the cultural gala鈥娾�斺�奱 multicultural formal鈥娾�斺�妔kiing trip, going to haunted houses, and more!

How have involvements in BISA, NSE, Asian Student Union, OASIS and the many others you are part of shaped your college experience?

Being involved in these multicultural clubs and organizations has really opened my mind. Before coming to college, I came from a predominantly white area with little to no diversity. So, it was a big change coming to campus. From these clubs I have made many international friends, learned how to speak six different languages (not fluently), try new foods, and learn more about cultures different from my own. These experiences led me to study abroad my freshman year to Japan and have also interested me in learning more about different cultures in general!

What advice do you have for other 91茄子 students looking to get involved on campus and join more RSOs?

My advice for students is to check out multicultural RSOs on campus. You鈥檒l be able to meet amazing people and learn more about them and their culture. It is a great experience I would highly recommend!

Is there anyone at 91茄子 that has had a positive impact on you?

One person that has impacted me a lot on campus has been Madoka. She is the person who runs the Kawasaki Reading Room on campus. She has helped me with my Japanese, volunteered at multicultural events around 91茄子 and campus, gotten me in touch with international students, given me information about study abroad trips to Japan, and supported me in general. She is an amazing person who goes above the call of duty! 銇傘倞銇屻仺銇嗐仈銇栥亜銇俱仐銇燂紒

What is something you have learned during your time at 91茄子 that you will take with you in the future?

Something I have learned during my time at 91茄子 is to always do your best, be kind, and stay positive. Doing your best in academics but also doing your best in life, pushing yourself to your limit and then passing it. Always be kind, everyone around us is going through something we may not know and being kind can change someone鈥檚 day. Being positive can help you push through challenges.