The Light - An Alumni Publication Fall 2014 | Page 12

FACES OF YFU

Kevin Princic

Kevin traveled to Japan in 2010 as a JapanAmerica Friendship Scholar. He has since
volunteered as an alumni assistant at the Japanese
Pre-Departure Orientation in 2012.
“Studying abroad really helped me come out
of my shell in high school. I was always rather
quiet and shy around people I did not know. While
I am still an introvert my YFU exchange helped
me become a much more outgoing person,” said
Princic.
The middle of three boys, Kevin was excited to
apply his three years of Japanese language study.
As part of the Shimomura family in Nishinomiya
City, the experience was life-changing.
“I am still in contact with my host family. After
completing my time in Japan, my host brother,
Keitaro Shimomura, came to America and stayed
with me for 10 months. Just last year I returned to
Japan for college study abroad and I visited my
host family again. It was like I never even left,” said
Princic. “Studying abroad is a once in a life time
experience, seize the opportunity if you can. You
will learn so much and it will be an experience you
will never forget.”

YFU Program: Japan, 2010
Education:
Stow-Monroe Falls High School, Stow, OH
University of Mount Union, Japanese
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When Kevin applied for his exchange, he wrote
“ am very enthusiastic about learning the Japanese
culture and language. I will learn things that I would
never learn in a classroom in the United States. I am
also very excited about meeting new people and
learning about their experiences.”

“You will learn so much and
it will be an experience you
will never forget.”
After having a few years to reflect back, Kevin
mentioned “my favorite memories from my exchange
are the evenings I would spend with my host family
just chatting or watching television. I truly felt like I
was a member of the family. I also enjoyed helping
my host mother with cooking or even going on
random family excursions. I enjoyed family activities
the most.”
Now a University of Mount Union student,
Kevin’s high school aspirations have evolved. “My

(Honors) and International Studies Major
Occupation: Student
City: Alliance, OH