Wyatt Howard, the second recipient of the Nelson Ranch Scholarship
We interviewed Wyatt Howard, a Kentucky native who enrolled at ICU last September as a recipient of the 2025 Nelson-Ranch Scholarship. (All photos courtesy of Wyatt.)
JICUF: When and what made you interested in Japan?
Wyatt: I became interested in Japan at a very young age. From the beginning of my education, we were taught Japanese—presumably because of the presence of Japanese businesses and companies in Kentucky—so I believe that first sparked my interest in the language. I also had a few Japanese friends, and I really liked movies that showcased Japan or took place there. Two movies in particular, Scooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword and Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo, were set in Japan. Something about the culture depicted in those movies really made me interested in Japan.
JICUF: What were you most worried about before enrolling at ICU?
Wyatt: I’m extremely close with my family, and culturally speaking, Kentucky families tend to be quite tight-knit, so it was very difficult for me to be away from them. Even now, it can be quite difficult at times. I was worried about my ability to overcome homesickness and being so far away from my family.
JICUF: What surprised you about living and studying at ICU?
Wyatt: I was quite surprised by the socioeconomic diversity of the students who attend the university. I have met middle-class students as well as people I would consider “rich” or “influential.” The opportunity to come together and study alongside people from these different backgrounds is a great one, but it’s something I wasn’t used to. Of course, there are private schools in more affluent areas of my hometown, but there isn’t much interaction between their students and public school students.
JICUF: What do you want to do before you graduate? Not just academics, but hobbies, adventures—anything.
Wyatt: I would like to deepen my knowledge in the areas I’m interested in, improve my Japanese fluency, and make more friends. In terms of extracurricular activities, I want to “make my mark,” so to speak, at ICU. I have a strong interest in theology and dialogue, so I’ve thought several times about starting an interfaith dialogue and debate club. And in terms of sports, I would very much like to create a women’s rugby team.
JICUF: What advice would you give to students considering applying for the Nelson-Ranch Scholarship?
Wyatt: Homesickness and missing one’s family are a natural part of growing up, but the opportunity offered by the Nelson-Ranch Scholarship is extraordinary. You will meet people—both staff and friends—who can support you throughout your journey at ICU as you come to understand your new environment and grow as a person.
Thank you, Wyatt. We hope you enjoy your second year at ICU to the fullest.
