Hi! I’m Mikayla, a History major from Chicago! If I’m not in class, you’ll probably find me at a BYU basketball game, planning my next road trip to a beach, or convincing my friends to try a new restaurant with me. I’m planning to go to law school after graduation, so I love reading court cases almost as much as I love talking about them! I also lived in Japan for a year and a half, which sparked my love for Japanese culture and, of course, searching for the best ramen in Utah. I’ve called Utah home for the past few years, and although I’m not originally from here, BYU has definitely started to feel like home. I’m excited to share the campus I’ve come to love and hopefully help you feel at home here, too!

Hometown

Chesterton, Indiana

Major(s)

History

Minor(s)

International Strategy & Diplomacy, Asian Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I've been a part of Japanese club since I was a freshman at BYU. It's so fun to bring the culture to Provo and get a chance to make friends who speak the same second language as me. I've also been part of a committee that puts on the China Conference each year. Seeing the dedication to learning and understand at the conference is such a cool opportunity. I've also had the wonderful opportunity to be a counselor for the BYU Continuing education program. It's been one of the highlights of my experience here because I got to show off campus to groups of middle school students from Japan. Their joy was so infectious. Another was I got to be involved here at BYU I through mock trial club. We got to help the BYU Law School run their mock trial competition. I got to testify as a witness and got the inside scoop on what a trial is really like. Another great way to get involved at BYU is through internships. I had the opportunity to be and undergraduate intern at the J. Rueben Clark law School Law & Corporate Linguistics internship. I met the coolest people at my internship and we got to collaborate on the most interesting projects.

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was a little but different than most people just because I am going to school so far away from home. I was so lucky my first year to make the best friends and they have been my home away from home. One of my favorite ways to get involved at the beginning of school to really get school spirit was to attend sporting events. The energy is infectious and I think it could make anyone fall in love with BYU. My experience at BYU has been so positive. There are so many people who want to help you succeed and there are so many places to feel like you belong.

Tip for future students

One of my main tips to future students is to get a ROC pass (student pass for sports). The experience is so amazing and it's the best way to make friends your freshmen year. Another tip I have is to get a paper planner and write down your assignments and tests. It's a great way to keep track of everything important and there's nothing more satisfying than having a paper to-do list. Lastly, something I wish I knew before staring college is that everything will work out. You'll make friends, find a major, join clubs, and get everything done. It's such a easy time of life to stress about everything but you really don't have to.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been my Japanese 301 class. I really have loved learning about folklore in Japan and talking about it with other students!

Career goals

After college I am planning to get a job as a history teacher at a local high school and study for the LSAT. I plan to attend law school and study criminal law.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night starts with a dinner picnic at Rock Canyon Park in Provo. After a picnic with friends I love to attend a sporting event together. My favorite has been watching Men's soccer this fall. They are so talented and the vibes are so high at the field. Following the game I'd read a book while relaxing in the hot tub at my apartment.

High school or secondary school

Chesterton High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the JFSB Courtyard! I love that its shaded and quiet! There's also a fountain that makes you feel like you're deep in nature even though you're only a few steps from your next class. It's the best spot to meet up with friends, talk on the phone, and enjoy the fresh air.