Cat Trager

Degree/Year: Japanese, 2016
Employer name: City Year Detroit
Position/Title: AmeriCorps Member
City/State: Detroit, Michigan

Cat Trager

As an AmeriCorps Member, I serve as a near-peer mentor and math tutor for 7th and 8th grade students in a Detroit public school. Every day, I support my partner teacher’s math class and tutor students individually or in small groups.

MSU’s Japanese program helped me develop a strong cultural competency surrounding Japan.

MSU’s Japanese program helped me develop a strong cultural competency surrounding Japan. I found those skills were easily translated to my new community in Detroit, whose members I am constantly learning from.

If you’ve changed majors a couple of times or are incredulous about how quickly graduation is approaching, consider applying for a nonprofit organization that fits your interests during senior year. A gap year of service can offer clarity on your next step while helping you become a more socially responsible leader.