WESTMORELAND, N.Y.- 2021 graduate of Westmoreland Central School District, Jayden Federoff is proving determination can really take you anywhere.
After graduating from Westmoreland with the highest honors, Jayden decided to stay close y to continue his education. He settled in Clinton at the beautiful Hamilton College as a Computer Science Major. Even though he’s extremely passionate about computer science, there’s something else that’s had his heart for a very long time. Ever since he was four years old, he’s always taken an interest in the Japanese culture and language and told his parents “he was 100% going to Japan someday.” He started his first semester of college taking classes centered around Japanese culture, but didn’t stick with them because of his heavy course load for computer science. He regretted this decision almost immediately.
That regret only gave him more fuel and he started making moves! He contacted a Japanese professor at the college to see what he could do to achieve this dream of his. The professor told him, discouragingly, that the program is very difficult to continue if you haven’t started from day one because he would be lost, but offered for him to sit it on some classes. This only motivated Jayden even more. He bought computer programs and apps to learn the Japanese language. On top of his computer science studies, he spent hours in the library teaching himself everything he could about Japan. He even took notes to work with him so he could study during his free moments.
His hard work paid off! He took an exam to see if he could get into the classes and passed with flying colors. Not only did he succeed there, but he’s now a double major in computer science and Japanese. He’s also a tutor for the college, helping students learn Japanese.
In January, Jayden took off to live his lifelong dream of experiencing the Japanese culture. He’s studying abroad at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan until May. Jayden credits his hard work and dedication for this amazing opportunity, but he’s also thanking his Bulldog family, specifically Mr. Notaro. He said Mr. Notaro always believed in him and always recognized his ability push himself to achieve his dreams.
Jayden wants his fellow Bulldogs to know how important it is to focus on their education. He realizes now how important it is to pay attention in elementary, middle and high school because that’s where you start laying the ground work for your future. He encourages students to stick to their goals so they can achieve their dreams, just like he did.
Jayden, you have proven to be an amazing success story. We are so very proud of you!
Click here to see what Jayden has been doing in Japan!