10/30/2026
🌎✨ PATHFINDERS AROUND THE WORLD: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ✨🌎
🇯🇵🎨 Alumni Spotlight: Bryce Thompson | Artist, Illustrator & International Student in Japan
Once a Pathfinder, Always a Pathfinder! 💜🧡💚❤️
Our Pathfinders Around the World series isn't just about where our alumni are today. It's about their journeys, the opportunities they've pursued, the challenges they've navigated, and the people they're becoming.
🌟 MEET BRYCE THOMPSON — ALL THE WAY FROM JAPAN! 🇯🇵
From Muskegon to Japan, Bryce is showing us what happens when creativity, curiosity, and the courage to explore new opportunities come together!
Currently living and studying in Japan through CET, an international study-abroad program, Bryce is immersing himself in a new culture, developing his language skills, and continuing to grow as an artist.
During our recent conversation, Bryce shared how he discovered the CET opportunity through his college's study-abroad counselor. After considering a shorter summer experience, he began exploring opportunities that would allow him to spend more meaningful time abroad.
Through CET's language-focused program, Bryce is challenged to use the language while navigating everyday life in Japan. He's also taking art classes that connect directly to his creative interests and development.
And that's what makes his journey so powerful. Bryce didn't simply follow a predetermined path. He explored his options, asked questions, and found an opportunity that aligned with his interests and aspirations.
💬 "You don't have to take a traditional route to do things." — Bryce Thompson
Those words capture something we hope every young person who comes through Pathfinders understands: Your future is not limited to the opportunities you can currently see.
🎨 CREATIVITY WITHOUT BORDERS
Bryce's artistic talents extend into illustration, graphic design, and digital design. His creative journey reflects the versatility of his skills and his willingness to continue learning.
When discussing his artistic background, Bryce shared:
đź’¬ "I do primarily like illustrating everything, but ... I dealt with like actual art making and design, so that's like graphic design, digital design."
Featured in this post is WANDER, Bryce's original artwork that showcases his imagination, technical ability, and artistic vision.
But what stood out most during our conversation wasn't just his artwork or the fact that he's living thousands of miles from home.
It was his willingness to explore possibilities beyond the familiar and continue moving forward.
💬 "Just not being stagnant and just moving until, you know, something works out." — Bryce Thompson
❤️ THAT IS WHAT 30 YEARS OF PATHFINDERS REPRESENTS.
For nearly three decades, Pathfinders has invested in young people, helping them recognize their strengths, explore their interests, and envision possibilities for their futures.
And while the programs may change, the relationships remain.
As we wrapped up our call, we reminded Bryce:
đź’¬ "You're part of the family forever, so ... feel free to reach out if you need anything."
Because once a Pathfinder, always a Pathfinder.
Our impact isn't measured only by the young people we serve today, but also by the journeys of those who came before them.
It's in the artist studying abroad in Japan.
It's in the young adult brave enough to pursue an unfamiliar opportunity.
It's in the alumni discovering that the world is bigger than they once imagined—and that they have a place in it.
As we prepare to celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we look forward to reconnecting with alumni across the country and around the world, sharing their stories, celebrating their accomplishments, and reminding our community why investing in young people matters.
đź‘Ź Bryce, from Muskegon to Japan, we are incredibly proud of the path you're creating! Your creativity, determination, and willingness to embrace new experiences are an inspiration to the next generation of Pathfinders.
🌎 30 Years. Countless Journeys. Endless Possibilities.
💜🧡💚❤️ Once a Pathfinder, Always a Pathfinder.
