Alyssa Mulcahy
Japanese Studies Concentration
My name is Alyssa Mulcahy, and I’m from Augusta, Georgia. I graduated in May 2024 with a major in East Asian Studies. I was drawn to the program because of the wide range of classes it offered (I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at first, but I knew I enjoyed language and culture). The EAS major gave me the freedom to explore those interests while figuring out my direction. I chose a Japanese concentration somewhat by default (I felt Chinese would be too difficult, and I didn’t know anything about Korea) but that decision ended up shaping my life, given that I now live in Japan! The path that brought me here was at times challenging, surprising, but incredibly rewarding.
When I started learning Japanese, I struggled a lot. I nearly failed every test and felt behind my classmates. I dreaded the study abroad requirement because I didn’t think I was ready. But going to Japan changed everything. That immersive experience made the language finally start to click, and I found the motivation to push myself harder than ever before. One of my proudest moments was when my Japanese professor noticed my progress and complimented me.
I’m currently an Assistant Language Teacher through the JET Program in Gifu, Japan! I hope to gain experience interpreting for a Japanese company before returning to the U.S. to pursue a career with the CIA. To anyone considering the EAS major: don’t hesitate to ask for help. The faculty in this program are some of the most supportive people you’ll meet, and they were a huge part of why I succeeded.
