While growing up, music was a big part of Aya’s life. She played the piano and violin. She loved foreign languages. French in particular. Aya recalls her transition from her public school in Oakland, California to Stanford as being rough. Aya Yagi is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in French and Music. Now, as a member of the Stanford University Alumni, Aya shares her Undergraduate Experience. In particular, we discuss the following with her: Choosing Stanford Majoring in French and Music Study Abroad in Paris Stanford Symphony Advice to Aspirants Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to Aya Yagi, Stanford University [0:37] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [1:22] Overall Experience [4:48] Why Stanford? [5:44] High School Interests [8:04] Transition to Stanford [9:07] “Great” Peers [10:42] Professors [12:20] Dorms [13:41] Cultural, Social Scene [15:00] Stanford Symphony & other Activities [16:58] Study Abroad in Paris [18:28] Adjusting Back on Campus [23:18] Summers [25:53] Choosing French and Music as Majors [33;30] Stanford’s Impact [37:39] Stanford Redo [41:11] Advice to Aspiring Students [44:04] Memories [46:45] Our Guest: Aya Yagi is a graduate from Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature, and Music. Aya received her Master’s degree in Education, Culture and Society from the University of Pennsylvania. Memorable Quote: “I loved the time that I had abroad. And it actually came about because freshman year, I was kind of having a culture shock and adjusting to kind of college, and kind of specifically the elite environment, and really making sense of that. And so, freshman year, I think, January or so I was like, you know, I would like to take a break from campus.” Aya, on her Freshman Year at Stanford. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. Similar Episodes: College Experiences Calls-to-action: Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast Digest. Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.