Ballet dancer ready for next act of life as a Thunderbird at ASU student
Hina Adkins as the Lilac Fairy in the Ballet Theatre of Phoenix's production of "Sleeping Beauty." Adkins will be a new undergraduate student at ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management this semester. Photo courtesy of Nathan Pallace
As a trained ballet dancer, Hina Adkins is adept at graceful transitions. Now, she’s putting that skill to use offstage.
In May, she gave her final performance for the Ballet Theatre of Phoenix as the Lilac Fairy in “Sleeping Beauty.” This month, she’ll be a new undergraduate student at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, where she’ll be seeking a bachelor of global management degree at ASU’s West Valley campus.
“My journey as a ballet dancer allowed me to realize that no one can take away what is already yours. That includes not only opportunities, but the qualities you offer,” said Adkins, who is also a Barrett, The Honors College student. “I plan on taking this lesson with me to college, the next chapter of my life.”
Adkins, who hails from Okinawa, Japan, has spent the past three years in Arizona, attending the ASU Preparatory Academy while maintaining her status as a ballet trainee.
ASU News spoke to Adkins ahead of the start of the fall semester to give us a glimpse of where she’s been and where she’s going.
Question: Why did you choose ASU?
Answer: I already had a good feeling about attending ASU even before I was enrolled in ASU Prep Academy. It was a blessing to be introduced to many online courses, travel to a variety of ASU campuses, and even be part of a program where some of the best ASU faculty members held a personalized workshop for my class at the Downtown Phoenix campus every week. In an environment that allowed me to learn something new about this university every day, being part of it was all I could think about. As it turned out, my intuition was right. In addition to accepting me as a Thunderbird student, ASU also provided me with enough scholarships and grants to enable me to continue my education without any financial worries. It was incredible to know that my university saw something in me and was willing to provide me with continuous support.
Q: What drew you to your major?
A: My high school taught me a lot about ASU, including the fact that the W. P. Carey School of Business is considered to be one of the top business schools in the country. What I did not know was the existence of Thunderbird School of Global Management, a gem. I researched for days, hoping to find a major that would complement my bilingual skills, my openness to new cultures and languages, and enhance the leadership skills necessary to be a powerful leader. After extensive research and guidance from my school counselor, I found the major that offered what I truly desired, despite the challenge of selecting from Thunderbird’s diverse offerings.
Q: What are you most excited to experience in your first semester?
A: I am excited about a lot of things. I love the thought of a challenge, so I would say my primary goal for this semester is to get out of my comfort shell to network with new people I encounter and respect perspectives and opinions that are different from mine. The fun part is I have no idea who I will meet or what upcoming opportunities await me. All I know is good things will happen, and I will be here for it.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the food. I am a bit of a foodie, so I cannot wait to explore what’s being offered.
Q: What do you like to brag about to friends about ASU?
A: I hear that the benefits offered by Barrett, The Honors College are highly valued by its students. Although I cannot speak on behalf of the upperclassmen as of now, I have frequently read that the program provides unique opportunities not typically available to other college students. These include being part of a close-knit community within a large university, enjoying smaller class sizes, engaging in one-on-one interactions with professors and having access to exclusive resources for Barrett students. I think what they offer is definitely brag-worthy. In addition, I love mentioning the ASU shuttle bus. Students can use the free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and quality seats inside the shuttle, all of which are beautifully maintained. It is a must for students like me who plan to commute frequently.
Q: What talents and skills are you bringing to the ASU community?
A: I spent a significant portion of my life in Japan, where I was born. One aspect of my culture that I deeply admire is the honesty, appreciation and respect that Japanese people extend to even the smallest things. The way we verbally express gratitude for food, peaceful days and family is a practice I feel fortunate to have learned. I aspire to bring this same mindset to ASU, recognizing and appreciating individuals for their invaluable contributions to the community.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your college years?
A: My ultimate goal in college is to build my most refined self with the help of my experiences. I am eager to discover how my potential can contribute to the field of international political economy, as well as to learn how to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing world. I also aim to accomplish that while not losing my own sense of self. Throughout my engagement with new opportunities, I anticipate discovering new aspects of myself.
Q: What’s one interesting fact about yourself that only your friends know?
A: I have an oddly strong love for horror movies. But the thing is, I can’t bring myself to watch them alone. So I always make sure to drag my friends next to me, even if they end up hiding behind their hands. My top picks would definitely include “The Conjuring,” “The Grudge” and “Lights Out.”
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem in our world, what would you choose?
A: If I had the funds, I would use them to support intensive care for young children and young adults who have been born into abusive environments or who are experiencing difficulties getting out of whatever is preventing them from obtaining an education. I believe young children are a precious part of this world, and for them to have the education opportunity taken away from them due to a circumstance that they don't have control over is so cruel. Moreover, the environment that children grow up in is so important as it affects their physical, emotional and mental health, not only throughout their childhood but when they grow up to be adults as well. I wish to be a support for them.
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