Student Profile: Mario Nishihara '09

Sometimes dreams do come true. Just ask Mario Nishihara '09. She's going to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing not as an athlete, but as an intern with the Olympic News Service. But this sport media major has plenty of Olympic spirit to go around for athletes and interns alike. "Not everyone gets to experience an internship like this. The most exciting part will be simply being in an atmosphere where the height of sport is being performed!"

This level of sport is something that Mario has had a little experience with: she's already interned for the National Basketball Association. But Mario is confident that an internship at the Olympics will not only shape her experience as a student, but will be something that resonates with her for the rest of her life.

A track and field athlete, Mario is well-versed in the world of sports. For a time, she lived in Germany, where the sport of handball is popular -- and as luck would have it, she'll be reporting on handball events during the Games.

And although she'll be thousands of miles away from Ithaca, Mario won't feel too homesick while she's in China. She plans to keep in touch with family in neighboring Japan via phone calls and e-mails.

Mario aspires to work for Adidas after graduation, while helping to spread her love for basketball in Japan in her spare time. With two dream internships already under her belt, she's sure to check the next goal off her list in no time.