When it comes to speaking a foreign language and learning about other cultures, most learn at school, but not junior Danielle Slaughter. Slaughter is learning everything about her Japanese heritage through her family. Whether it’s about street fashion or making sushi, Slaughter loves it all.

Q: What’s your favorite part about making sushi?
A: “My grandma will show me how to make it and always wants [me] to try it. I have to be the only Japanese person who hasn’t tried sushi.”

Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about your heritage?
A: “I love learning about the culture because most of my favorite trends actually started in Japan. My uncle is in a band and it’s really cool to see how different the music is.”

Q: Do you have any plans to visit Japan?
A: “I’ve never been there, so I want to hopefully go before college.”

Q: Do you find learning and understanding the language difficult?
A: “Oh my goodness yes! The Japanese language has two different alphabets and its hard to keep them straight. I only know a couples of phrases right now.”

Q: What’s your favorite part about the culture?
A: “It’s just so interesting because things that we like here catch on a lot bigger in Japan. My family friends over there send my family stuff like candy and stationary and I love it.”