Share this Story
A Collector of Experiences
Earth and Environmental Sciences Major Clay Yokom Embraces the Liberal Arts
University News | October 25, 2023
Clay Yokom is always up for a new experience. In high school, Clay played softball, performed in musicals, and was a member of the trap shooting team, but academics were – and still are – front and center. An excellent student, Clay was also aiming for a scholarship. When Virginia Wesleyan University’s Batten Honors College extended that opportunity, it was time to leave the familiar surroundings of rural New York and try something new. 
When Clay arrived on campus and registered for classes, one new experience just seemed to resonate. Why not try the martial arts? Studying Iaido, the art of the Japanese sword, under Professor of Philosophy Dr. Steven Emmanuel, Clay quickly advanced to brown belt. This past spring, Clay joined a group of students on a trip to explore DNBK’s roots, attending the World Congress at the historic Botokuden Dojo in Kyoto, Japan. “It was exciting and brutal all at the same time,” says Clay. “I was terrified of the sensei. He was incredibly strict. It lasted nine days and we got very little sleep” It was, however, worth it. Clay arrived in Japan as a brown belt, but left as a black belt.
"Clay is simply one of the best martial arts students I've ever had at VWU,” says Dr. Steven Emmanuel. “I'm grateful that we had a chance to travel to Japan together. It was an amazing experience." 
Now, Clay is focusing on what comes next after graduation. In all likelihood, it will involve working at a national park or museum. For now, however, Clay wants to get as much out of Virginia Wesleyan University as possible. “VWU is the quintessential liberal arts college, and I say that in the best possible way,” says Clay. “I’m the kind of person who wants to learn as much as they can about all kinds of things, and Virginia Wesleyan makes that accessible.
“Being a part of the Batten Honors College has been very rewarding. When I was in high school, I didn’t have a big group of like-minded scholars. I got the nickname ‘wizard” because of my grades which I didn’t mind, but it’s nice to be a part of a community that shares your love of knowledge. It’s a double-edge sword, though. Being in that kind of environment, you’re around a lot of people who define themselves by being high performers. So, that can create a lot of pressure which means you really have to watch out for your mental health. I cannot over emphasize the importance of self-care. My advice to first year students, make the most of it and get all you can while you’re here.”