Prep Student Testimonials
Learn more about the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and the Peace Corps Prep Program.
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
PACE 310 “Survey of Peace and Conflict Studies” with Professor Brien Hallett. In class, we delved into deep issues in our society and politics.
Aimee Vanessa Coronado Bravo, 2021
BBA in Business Management; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
A talk story event between two survivors, one from the bombing of Nagasaki and the other from the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Although these individuals came from different sides of World War 2, during this event, they came together in their shared experiences. Their connection and empathy for each other were truly heartwarming.
Sarah Cain, 2022
BA in Nursing; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My initial meeting with José Barzola to understand Peace Corps and communicate the shared admiration of Vietnamese foods!
Anna Cao, 2022
BA in Public Health; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My entire experience at the Matsunaga Institute has been my fondest memory. Every day I am a part of this community and family of leaders. I feel proud to be alive knowing that there are amazing people doing good for society. To be specific, I enjoyed assisting José Barzola as his student assistant. He is a huge mentor in my life from my study skills to my work habits.
Sky Kauʻilani Sau Ying Chun-Matsukawa, 2021
BA in Ethnic Studies; BA in Political Science; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My whole path changed once I found the Matsunaga Institute. It started simply with meeting José Barzola and beginning the Peace Corps Prep program. After being told I’d be able to work toward a Peace Studies Certificate alongside my Peace Corps Prep Certificate, I enrolled in PACE courses and discovered Conflict Resolution and Mediation. The thing I had been so successful at throughout my life actually had a name and a career path! Who knew?! After taking Mediation and Negotiation with Professor Wahl, Survey Peace/Conflict Studies with Borjana, and finally my practicum with Dr. Soetoro, I’ve been given all the support and guidance I need to follow my path as a peace builder for the rest of my life. I will forever treasure the Matsunaga Institute and am so grateful for everything I have learned.
Simone Davenport, 2021
BA in Communication; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The entirety of my internship course (PACE 495 “Practicum”). It was a very unique aspect of the program. I really enjoyed the opportunity to go out into the community and provide assistance to some very meaningful programs.
Olivia Eaton, 2020
BA in Korean; IS BA in Peace and Conflict Resolution [concentration: International Law and Human Rights]; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The amazing people I got to meet. From the amazing Professors that guided me in my journey and my peers, who I have been able to learn so much, to the connections I made with genuinely amazing and intellectual people I have met has been my favorite moment so far.
Dasha Figueroa, 2021
BA in Anthropology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Being surrounded by like-minded people who wanted to make a change in this world for the better.
Isabella Herron, 2022
BA in Communications; IS BA in Peace and Conflict Resolution; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Taking PACE 447 “Introduction to Mediation” and PACE 470 “Advocating for Children: Rights and Welfare” where I learned a variety of skills that I know I will be able to use in my future.
Jenna Kirschner, 2022
BS in Psychology; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Taking the PACE courses. They taught me valuable skills that I can use in the future.
Lisa Namatame, 2020
BA in Public Health; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
During my PACE 495 “Practicum” course/internship, I attended a celebration for the passing of an important environmental bill with many different environmental organizations. It was very exciting and inspiring seeing these organizations make such big social changes! This internship helped me to realize that within my own major, Social Work, I really wanted to go into macro-level work such as policy, advocacy, and community organizing.
Tehya Nichols, 2022
BSW in Social Work; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Participating in my internship seminar with Dr. Maya Soetoro who did a wonderful job in nurturing an environment that facilitated our personal reflection and growth during our internship experience.
Candace Yu Noguchi, 2020
BS in Psychology; BA in Women’s Studies; Minor in Japanese; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
All the valuable knowledge and skills that I have gained from the PACE courses. The knowledge and skills were constantly applied when I was a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. in the fall (August December) of 2019.
Basil Piazza, 2020
BA in Political Science; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The internship course (PACE 495 “Practicum”), where we would give personal updates about how our internships were going. Maya (Dr. Soetoro) would have us describe our thoughts, goals, and feelings through metaphors and pictures this was so relaxing and thoughtful! We were all stressed from world events and deadlines but being able to relax, relate to each other, and listen to the meaningful work everyone was doing was so lovely. It really made me feel like we were truly making an impact in our communities!
Eileen Roco, 2020
BA in Communication; BA in Chinese Language; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
During my internship (PACE 495 “Practicum”) at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace with José Barzola (Educational Specialist). I enjoyed being able to spend quality time working with other students in the office, as well as participating in meaningful projects and events as part of the outreach programs.
Julia Rodriguez, 2020
IS BA in Criminology Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Learning and earning a Peace Corps Prep Certificate helped open up my eyes to new opportunities I can pursue after graduation!
Kristina Theam, 2022
BA in Marine Biology; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Volunteering with local organizations, such as Ceeds of Peace, and giving back to the community as part of my academic program.
Ann Malluwa Wadu, 2020
BS in Psychology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Going to Hiroshima, Japan (PACE 485 “Hiroshima & Peace”) and attending the 2019 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. Seeing the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe speak at the event was really awesome. It was an extremely powerful experience to see all these people from around the world pay their respects and push for global peace. An experience like no other and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Paul Sandoval Whiteford, 2020
BA in Political Science; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Getting the opportunity to intern for Ceeds of Peace through the PACE 495 “Practicum” course. I am grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Soetoro and Scott Nishimoto offered me by allowing me to intern for the organization, as well as the Matsunaga Institute for Peace for giving me the chance to learn through experience.
Velika Yasay, 2022
BA in Anthropology; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies