Grad Year: Spring 2021
Major: BS, health exercise and sport sciences; minor in economics
Activities: Men’s Club Volleyball, President; Mortar Board, Communications chair; WEFIT ( student organization within HESP); Smart moves (goes to Fremont elementary school to exercise with children and educate them on the importance of being healthy)
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
Kento Moriguchi is studying to become a chiropractor. When he takes a break from studying, he is going viral with his shuffling videos. One of his TikTok videos has been seen more than 300,000 times.
What made you choose Pacific?
There are a few reasons as to why I chose Pacific. My brother went to UOP and I got to witness firsthand how much he loved it. A good teacher to student ratio, a small campus which permits better access to resources, and more opportunities to create connections. Also, it was close to family.
Why did you choose your major?
At the end of high school, I attended a chiropractic event and was inspired to go into the medical field to help people change their lives with their health.
Health exercise and sport sciences was the perfect match as I was also very athletic and played several sports and coached middle league teams.
Who has inspired you at Pacific?
My teammates of the Men’s Club Volleyball. They consistently push me to be a better person on and off the court.
What do you like best about Pacific?
I love how it’s very welcoming, inclusive and accepting of all people. You just have to put yourself out there to access it. There are numerous opportunities and resources out there and it would be a waste not to use them.
What is your favorite memory about Pacific?
My favorite memory is when I realized I was surrounded by such a beautiful community and wonderful people at UOP. That includes my health professors, my teammates, friends in Greek life, and former and current roommates.
What experiential learning opportunities have you had?
I shadowed a couple chiropractors at their local clinics in Stockton. It was a big eye opener for me to realize that being a good chiropractor is not just about being good at adjusting people, but also about being a good people person.
I learned how to be compassionate and empathetic, and applied those characteristics into my on campus involvements.
What advice would you give an incoming student who wants to pursue your major?
I want students to utilize their resources and if they don’t know what resources are available, ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors, career advisors, or fellow peers.
Stay humble and be willing to learn constantly. Enjoy the journey of learning more about yourself and your major.
What do you plan to do next?
I want to go to chiropractic school and keep on dancing.
What got you into shuffling and cutting shapes?
My brother got me into this hobby. He was a DJ at UOP and played a lot of house music and introduced me to shuffle. It all started Freshman year at my dorm in Casa Jackson. I filmed my first dance video and haven’t stopped practicing since then. That summer, I was shuffling and cutting shapes full-time and working as a lifeguard part-time.
How long have you been doing it for?
I’ve only been dancing for two and a half years.
How has campus inspired you?
How could you not dance on this beautiful campus? The accessibility to Baun Fitness center was where all my practices started taking place. And then from there, I started practicing outside and filming videos from different spots on campus.
