1,175 miles away resides Providence College in Rhode Island. This is the post-high-school destination of one senior, Yuri Takenaka. While going to school in Rhode Island had always been Takenaka’s dream, she is actually fulfilling this dream in a different manner than she had originally imagined.

“My top choice was actually Brown University, which is also in Providence, and unfortunately I didn’t get in, but I think Providence is a good alternative,” Takenaka said. “It’s a little different, but it’s in the same location and that’s where I wanted to be. I’m going to have to start over and find new friends, which is overwhelming, but I’m excited for the change.”

An additional reason for Takenaka to attend Providence is that her sister, Risa, attends the school to play tennis. Having a family member in a school where she would otherwise know no one is something that Yuri Takenaka is looking forward to. Additionally, Risa is able to provide some guidance for her younger sister since this upcoming year will be her third year attending the school.

“Her decision was so unexpected and last minute which makes it even cooler and more exciting,” Risa Takenaka said. “I really like it here, and I think she will too because the classes are really small and I’m really close with a lot of my professors. I’ve also had a lot of opportunities to travel to places like Boston and New York that I wouldn’t have had in the midwest.”

Yuri Takenaka earned one of the highest scholarships awarded at Providence College for her outstanding GPA and ACT score. She earned the St. Thomas Aquinas scholarship, which covers $38,300 per year.  In addition to this, she was awarded a family grant since her sister currently attends the college.

“I think it will be a really good opportunity to establish independence and meet people from all over the place,” teacher Shelly Parks said. “I also think the fact that the girls will be there together will be really fun for them.”

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated that the name of the college Yuri will attend is “Providence University.” It’s actually “Providence College.”