Spotlights
Kraig Lee Whitmyer, '18 & '23, is featured in Alumni in 10
Title/Employer
Protection unit intern within the Protection Unit at Japan
Association for Refugees (JAR)/English instructor for Berlitz.Co Japan
Degree Earned/Emphasis Area
BA in Criminal Justice and French
1. What has your journey been since graduation?
Since my graduation in 2018, I left the beautiful city of Grand
Rapids and moved to the land of the rising sun, Japan. Currently, I am
a protection unit intern within the Protection Unit at the Japan
Association for Refugees (JAR) in Nishikanda, Tokyo. I support
refugees in Japan so that they can achieve a normal life by helping
them with legal advising, providing meals and other essential
resources, and offering assistance regarding employment opportunities.
I am an English instructor as well for Berlitz.Co Japan in Ochanomizu,
Tokyo, where I conduct lessons that advance English fluency for
Japanese college students, business professionals, and medical
personnel. Some of my daily administrative responsibilities are
customizing lesson plans, typing up daily student counseling reports,
and conducting placement tests. Nowadays, I am actively involved with
the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) by participating in
e-learning seminars, higher education community planning and
discussion, and annual higher education policy updates. I will start
my Master’s program in the higher education field with a concentration
in College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL) at Grand Valley in 2021.
2. How has Grand Valley had a role in your journey?
Who knows exactly where I would be without Grand Valley. A few
things would be certain, I might not have thrown myself out of
Michigan and into any of the 17 countries that I have lived and
visited over these past years, nor would I have met some of the most
inspiring leaders in my field of study, or gotten the chance to make
an impact on local communities abroad.
3. What is your favorite Grand Valley memory?
Enjoying my first Laker bowl celebration with my Freshmen
roommates after our “Come Sail Away” jam session with T-Haas at the Fieldhouse.
4. What three words describe your experience at Grand Valley?
Adventurous, Cultural, and Timeless.
5. How, and why, have you stayed involved with Grand Valley
since graduation?
I’ve stayed involved with Grand Valley by helping Grand Valley
students and Alumni that have been interested in moving and living
abroad. While in Japan, I have continued to connect fellow Lakers with
any support that they need during their pursuits. I plan to get more
involved with the Grand Valley Alumni Association before coming back
to start my Master’s program. Being involved in any way with Grand
Valley presents an opportunity to motivate and assist current students
to the limitless possibilities. How can you not want to be a part of
something so grand?
6. Why are you proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime?
I’m proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime because I belong to a
community that brings other communities together. No community is too
small, big, near, or far to be impacted by the Laker Effect. Seeing
the impact at the global scale has amplified my Laker pride to new
heights. In my mind, we all are just out here in this gigantic world
trying to support our communities in a similar way which our second
home, Grand Valley has supported us.
7. What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy traveling the unknown backstreets of any country,
seasonal activities during Fall, and grabbing local drinks with
friends wherever I might be.
8. What is your favorite quote/motto to live by?
"Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the
rent. As far as I'm concerned, that's success." -Tom Petty
9. What motivates you?
Connecting local communities around the world that might have
never crossed paths against all odds.
10. What book or movie have you recently enjoyed?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. If you’re searching for a movie
to make you leave your house immediately without any luggage and hop
on an airplane with no planned destination, this is your movie.
July 2020
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