Early Childhood (Born & Raised in Kyoto, Japan)

I was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, a city filled with history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. I grew up in a big house with my mother, father, and grandmother. My father, a German sales manager, and my mother, a Japanese professional pianist and music teacher, shaped my upbringing with two rich cultures. Growing up bilingual, I naturally learned both Japanese and German, which helped me understand different perspectives from an early age.

As a baby, I was very quiet, rarely cried, and slept a lot. I was simply observing the world without truly understanding much. Over time, I began recognizing patterns, faces, and sounds, slowly making sense of my surroundings. 

Primary School (Ages 6-8) – A Love for Math & Creativity 

When I started Japanese elementary school, I was immediately drawn to three subjects:

• Sports (I loved running and being active)
• Art (Creativity was always a huge part of me)
• Mathematics (I was fascinated by numbers and patterns)

In Japanese schools, discipline was intense, and we had daily homework. One of the most challenging yet rewarding parts was memorizing multiplication tables (from 1×1 to 9×9). I took school very seriously, always putting in effort and hard work. Looking back, I believe this is where I developed my strong commitment and work ethic.

Additionally, I enjoyed Kanji drills, practicing new characters every day and improving my writing skills. However, after second grade, my life took a huge turn—I transferred to an international German school in Kobe. 

Moving to Tokyo & Facing Challenges (Ages 12-14)

After 6th grade, we moved to Tokyo/Yokohama, and I attended DSTY (Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama) for 7th and 8th grade. This was a very different experience:

• Bigger school = More social challenges
• First experience with bullying and peer pressure
• Struggled with German language skills
• Started playing football but was hilariously bad at it 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. During the lockdown, I had more time to explore my interests, which led to a deep obsession with music theory—specifically jazz. I studied jazz improvisation and harmony, which became my main musical focus. 

My Year in Ghana (Ages 18-19)

After completing 12th grade in Germany, I made the decision to join the Weltwärts volunteer program instead of going straight to university. This step took me all the way to Ghana—a place that not only welcomed me but also completely changed the way I see the world.

During my volunteer year, I:

• Supported students in arts, crafts, math, and reading
• Worked closely with Class 6 at Meet Kate Academy, guiding and inspiring young learners
• Helped build a football field through the Elora Resort Project
• Brought creativity into the classroom with small projects, games, and music
• Connected deeply with local life, culture, and traditions

This time in Ghana taught me more than any classroom ever could. I learned independence, resilience, and the joy of giving back. I discovered how much I love teaching, creating, and sharing knowledge—whether in mathematics, music, or life itself.

Looking back, my volunteer service was not just a year abroad—it was a turning point that shaped my future and set the foundation for everything I do today.