Congratulations to Rio Nakamachi, a member of the Citrus College Class of 2023!

Rio was attending NIC International College in Japan when she first heard about Citrus College. After researching the campus, she decided to enroll. "Citrus seemed small compared to the other schools I was looking at, so I thought I could get good support and have good relationships with my instructors," she explains.

At first, the transition to the United States was challenging for Rio. "It was hard for me to speak during my classes because I was worried about whether or not people would understand what I was saying," she remembers. "I am not good at speaking in front of people, especially in English. So, I took a speech class. It was the hardest class I had ever taken, but I feel my English got better after that."

Another thing that helped Rio adjust to life in America was working in the International Student Center. "I have liked working in the office because I can talk and help other students," she said. "I also enjoy working with all of the staff. They are nice and always answer any questions I have."

The college's counseling and advisement department has been especially helpful for Rio. "Anthony, my counselor, helped me a lot when I applied for universities," she said. "He checked my application status and my grades, and he also let me know what classes I needed to take. He is the best counselor I have ever met!"

With her counselor's help, Rio is planning to transfer to UCLA as a sociology major in the fall. Although she is not sure what her ultimate goals are, she says she hopes to find a job that will allow her to use her English skills.

Whatever the future holds, Rio knows she won't forget her experiences at Citrus College. "Being an international student in the United States is not easy, but it has been fun," she says.

Great work, Rio! The Citrus College community knows your future will be bright!