Message for my Parents - Ayane Yamazaki
I am grateful to my parents
who supported me in every challenge.
Ayane Yamazaki
Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA)
-What feelings would you like to convey to your parents now?
I am grateful to my parents who always believed in and supported me. I have always liked English, but I was never particularly outstanding compared to those around me. So, when I chose to take the entrance exam for the FILA, my mother asked me, "Can you keep up with classes in English?" However, once I passed the exam and decided to enroll, she supported me in every challenge.
For example, during my first year in the international dormitory, they supported me by delivering my favorite foods every month. Additionally, in my third year, when I was feeling down because my long-awaited exchange program in Mexico was canceled due to COVID-19, they quietly stood by me and respected my decisions.
-How was your high school life?
In high school, I was a member of the dance club for three years and actively participated in club activities and school events. I had opportunities to travel to Australia, Canada, and the UK through school trips and privately funded study programs. This period significantly heightened my interest in the world and the English language.
-What has changed since entering FILA?
There are two main aspects. First is my English proficiency. Although English was not my strongest subject in high school, I dedicated myself to it during my five years at university, ultimately achieving my target scores in TOEIC and TOEFL. The second aspect is my cross-cultural understanding and adaptability. During my study abroad in New Zealand and through my courses at the FILA, I had numerous opportunities to collaborate with people from various countries. These experiences made me acutely aware of cultural differences and taught me how to effectively communicate my thoughts and find compromises to move things forward.
At the Soka University Festival
-What are your most memorable experiences in FILA?
One memorable experience from the fall semester of my first year was ordering and eating pizza with my classmates and professor. I'm not sure if this is unique to the FILA, but the close proximity to the professors was quite surprising for me as a new university student. It was a bit of a shocking experience, but also very enjoyable!
Message for the prospective students
Health comes first in everything. Remember, university entrance exams are not the goal but the starting point. The possibilities that open up through various challenges at university are limitless. Do your best until the very end so that you have no regrets. Good luck!
