Tai Shiga ’25 (Queens) was named a Macaulay Honors College Meyer Scholar
Tai Shiga ’25 (Queens) was named a Meyer Scholar and used her Enhanced Opportunities Fund to study abroad in Japan for the Winter 2025 semester. ✈️🗾🎬
Tai, a Media Studies major, hoped to take her knowledge of media to an international level through her Japanese Film and Culture class. Tai’s class enjoyed a private theater screening of the Japanese indie film Single 8 and got to meet the film’s director. Their final project was to create a trailer for the film, allowing Tai to apply both her creative and technical skills. She even had the opportunity to share her work with the director.
Another unforgettable experience was her stay at a seaside retreat in Chiba during the first night of the program. She shared a room with eight other students and slept on a futon. The group participated in mochi-making, traditional fan crafting, and a hike to a giant Buddha statue. Chiba now holds a special place in Tai’s heart—as the beginning of the trip and new friendships.
Tai’s time abroad made her feel more connected to her Japanese culture and identity. It also solidified her long-standing dream of working in Japan after graduation, a goal she has had since middle school. She hopes to return soon, as her month in Japan has only left her wanting more.