Message for my Parents - Wakana Imaseki
Wakana Imaseki
Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA)
-What feelings would you like to convey to your parents now?
I want to express my gratitude to my mother and father, who have supported me in many ways, no matter what choices I made. Since my high school days when I aspired to join the Faculty of International Liberal Arts at Soka University, through two study abroad experiences, my role as an RA in the dormitory, and my decision to pursue graduate studies overseas, they have provided me with unwavering emotional and financial support. Without their support, I wouldn't have developed my current belief and actions to advocate for girls and women, and for peace.
Despite being busy and tired from their part-time jobs and work, my parents drove me to and from the nearest station every day. I feel that without their daily care and support, I wouldn't have been able to approach my studies with a positive attitude. When I consulted them about my desire to volunteer in Cambodia and go on an exchange program to India, they were quite surprised and worried, yet they sent me off with smiles. This support has been the greatest treasure of my life.
-Do you have any memorable experiences with your parents during your student life?
When I was striving to achieve a high TOEFL-iBT score for my application to overseas graduate schools, my scores were not improving as I had hoped, and the costs were mounting. I began to consider targeting only those graduate schools that I could apply to with my best score at the time. However, my mother and father encouraged me by saying, "As long as there is a possibility and as long as time permits, you should keep trying as many times as needed."
Even during the year-end and New Year's holidays, as I stayed in my room studying late into the night, my mother would bring me warm drinks and snacks to support me, which was very encouraging. As a result, I was able to score significantly higher than my target on what was my last chance to take the test for submission to my desired graduate schools. When my parents heard the news, despite the early hour, they celebrated with even more joy and loud cheers than I did. I remember feeling incredibly happy, thinking that I had been able to repay them just a little for all they had done for me.
