Sarah Nishimura
Anaheim,CA
Summary
Offering a background in linguistic studies and bilingual communication, eager to learn and develop in a translation environment. Brings understanding of language structure and cultural context, along with proficiency in translation software and research skills. Ready to use and develop language proficiency and analytical skills in [Desired Position] role. Developed exceptional customer service skills in a fast-paced restaurant environment, seeking to transition into a new field. Possesses strong abilities in communication and teamwork, along with a knack for problem-solving. Aims to leverage these transferable skills to excel in a new professional setting.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Waitress
Yagi Japanese Restaurant
08.2024 - Current
- Exceptional Customer Service & Sales: Delivered friendly, prompt, and culturally informed service, utilizing native fluency in Japanese and English to cater to diverse guests, and built strong customer rapport and successfully increased sales of premium items through expert product knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
- Operational Excellence: Maintained a clean and welcoming dining environment, ensured smooth order processing, and handled cash/credit transactions accurately.
- Effective Teamwork & Communication: Collaborated seamlessly with both kitchen staff (communicating complex orders and dietary needs) and front-of-house colleagues, fostering a supportive team atmosphere.
- Problem Resolution & Composure: Skillfully managed high-pressure situations, busy shifts, and customer inquiries/complaints with composure and professionalism to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Training & Mentorship: Contributed to team development by training new staff on service standards and operational procedures.
- Supported the needs of a 35-person wait staff who attended to the specific needs of countless customers daily for a sushi restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Private Tutor
Lina Kumon
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Personalized, Engaging Instruction: Developed and delivered customized, interactive lesson plans focused on introducing the Japanese language and culture in a way that is engaging and appropriate for a 5-year-old's learning style.
- Progress Monitoring and Feedback: Assessed the student's progress and comprehension regularly, adapting teaching methods and providing tailored feedback to ensure continuous improvement and strong language retention.
- Collaborative Partnership: Maintained open communication with the student's parents, discussing progress and collaboratively addressing any concerns to support the child's academic development.
- Resource Utilization: Incorporated educational software and interactive tools to enhance the learning experience and make Japanese language acquisition fun and effective for a young child.
- Strategically planned and executed weekly one-hour (60-minute) lessons focused on optimizing engagement and sustained attention, incorporating age-appropriate, interactive activities to make the learning experience exciting and impactful for a 5-year-old.
Assistant Teacher
Kumon Math & Reading Centre
08.2023 - 04.2025
- Instructional Support & Preparation: Supported lead instructors by preparing essential instructional materials, grading assignments, and maintaining accurate records of student progress, behavior, and academic growth (grades/comprehension).
- Student-Centered Learning: Provided practical one-on-one and small group learning support, focusing on student comprehension, addressing diverse learning needs, and encouraging student progress and personal growth.
- Classroom Management & Engagement: Actively monitored student behavior, fostered a positive and respectful learning environment, and encouraged essential teamwork and communication skills during group activities.
- Collaborative Feedback & Communication: Collaborated with educators to track progress and adapted to lesson plan needs, while also maintaining detailed records used for providing feedback to teachers and parents.
- Efficient Record Keeping: Maintained high productivity by efficiently grading a large volume of student work (up to 100 packets weekly) within or beyond the standard 4-hour shift, meticulously documenting comprehension and progress for comprehensive reporting to parents and lead instructors.
Education
Associate Degree Transfer Program - Electrical Engineering
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA11.2025
High School Diploma - undefined
Canyon High School
Anaheim, CA06.2024
No Degree - Japanese
Nishiyamato Academy
Irvine03-2022
Skills
- Language Fluency:
- Fluency in Japanese: Bilingual in Japanese and English, certified Working Fluency Speaking, Reading, and Writing (AP Japanese Exam Score: 5)
- Intermediate Spanish: Speaking, Reading, and Writing
- Technical & Academic Strengths:
- Advanced Mathematics (AP Calculus BC Score 2, AB Subscore 3)
- AP Computer Science Principles (Score 3)
- Soft Skills: Communication, Critical Thinking, Organization, Teamwork, Multitasking, Attention to Detail
- Customer service
- Strong multitasking
- Greeting guests
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Cash handling
- Memory retention
- Behavior management
- Parent-teacher communication
- Oral communication
- Lesson planning
- Learning support
- Skills development
- Teaching strategies
- Individualized instruction
- Language acquisition
- Interactive teaching methods
- Strong communication skills
- Patience and empathy
Accomplishments
- AP Scholar with Distinction Award
- Presidential Award Silver Recipient (June 2025)
- State Seal of Biliteracy (June 2025)
- Global Seal of Biliteracy (Working Fluency - English & Japanese)
Certification
- State Seal of Biliteracy (June 2025)
- Global Seal of Biliteracy (Working Fluency - English & Japanese)
- Nishiyamato Academy Certification of Completion
Awards & Recognitions
AP Scholar with Distinction Award, Presidential Award Silver Recipient (June 2025), State Seal of Biliteracy (June 2025), Global Seal of Biliteracy (Working Fluency - English & Japanese), AP Scholar with Honor Award, Honor Roll (2021-Present), Nishiyamato Academy Certification of Completion
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Japanese
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Waitress
Yagi Japanese Restaurant
08.2024 - Current
Private Tutor
Lina Kumon
08.2024 - 05.2025
Assistant Teacher
Kumon Math & Reading Centre
08.2023 - 04.2025
High School Diploma - undefined
Canyon High School
Associate Degree Transfer Program - Electrical Engineering
Irvine Valley College
No Degree - Japanese
Nishiyamato Academy