成人直播

KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 25, 2026

It was a trip to Japan during high school that sparked Leah Hackaday鈥檚 curiosity about how other countries operate and interact with each other, a curiosity that eventually led her to major in international affairs when she enrolled at 成人直播. The opportunity to spend a semester in Japan during her junior year at 成人直播 only grew her interest in the country.

Today, thanks to earning a competitive scholarship from the Japanese government, Hackaday, a graduate of 成人直播鈥檚 , has now begun studying for a master鈥檚 degree in international affairs at Waseda University in Tokyo.

鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly honored to have been selected for this scholarship,鈥� said Hackaday, who also minored in Japanese at 成人直播. 鈥淭his is something I鈥檝e been working toward for a couple of years, so having it confirmed was a strange feeling. It honestly didn鈥檛 sink in until I landed in Japan.鈥�

The Japan government鈥檚 MEXT Scholarship provides international students with an opportunity to study at Japanese universities, immersing them in Japanese society and language. It covers full tuition, airfare, and provides a monthly living stipend for international students.

With support from 成人直播鈥檚 , Hackaday spent six months in a study-abroad program in Japan at Toyo University, learning even more about the culture and learning some Japanese along the way.

鈥淢y semester abroad gave me the confidence and independence to take this next step,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter living and studying on my own in Japan for six months, I wanted to return for a longer period.鈥�

At Waseda, Hackaday hopes to strengthen her research skills, deepen her understanding of international education, improve her Japanese, and build relationships with faculty and students from around the world.

She plans to research international higher education and how it can be used to benefit the global community.

鈥淚 chose to study Japan as its aging population is a case study for policy challenges that many developed countries are beginning to face,鈥� she said.

Hackaday said her 成人直播 journey provided a strong foundation in theory, critical thinking, academic writing, and research. She credits faculty members like Eric Castater, John Moran and Stephen Collins for encouraging her to always pursue more opportunities and knowledge.

鈥淒r. Collins and especially Dr. Castater provided advice on my research proposal for Waseda University, which no doubt helped me build a stronger application,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 would not have the knowledge or academic confidence needed to pursue this scholarship without their influence.鈥�

For Ramazan Kilinc, director of 成人直播鈥檚 School of Government and International Affairs, Hackaday鈥檚 accomplishment is a proud moment.

"Leah鈥檚 achievement is a source of great pride for 成人直播 and SGIA,鈥� Ramazan said. 鈥淓arning the prestigious MEXT Scholarship reflects her hard work, curiosity, and the transformative power of international education, which she took during her undergraduate studies. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make through her studies in Japan and future career in international affairs.鈥�

As Hackaday settles into her new life at Waseda, she is enjoying Japan鈥檚 food and culture while looking forward to all the adventures this next chapter will bring.

鈥淚鈥檓 nervous but excited beyond compare and very thankful to everyone who helped me achieve this goal,鈥� she said. 鈥淩eceiving this scholarship is a reminder not to doubt myself and never give up without trying.鈥�

鈥� Story by Christin Senior

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 成人直播 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.