【WHY SOKA FILA】-The reason why I chose SOKA FILA-
Mr. Hou Jiaming is a 4th year student of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) from China. He shared why he chose Soka University and FILA and his thoughts about FILA.
Profile
Name: Hou Jiaming
Year Enrolled in FILA: 2021
Grade: 4th year
Home Country: China
Hobbies: Magic, guitar and Painting
Why did you choose Soka University and FILA?
I first learned about Soka University at a speech in my high school. My high school founder, Premier Zhou Enlai, deeply connects with Founder Daisaku Ikeda, which is one of the reasons why I chose Soka University. The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful and rich cultural atmosphere of the campus. Students can see ancient Greek styles of architecture and sculpture on campus. Moreover, after I had learned about Founder Ikeda's idea of the world and education, I was more determined to choose Soka University as my first choice for me because it shows a great future where all people from different cultures and areas are able to work together and approach a better world.
Which part of FILA do you like?
A significant point of FILA is that it provides all students with opportunities to discover what they truly want to learn and are interested in. Moreover, FILA helps students develop different perspectives to analyze the problems they face, because it has students from diverse areas who can offer unique experiences and ideas.
What are your impressions of student life at FILA so far?
I will use two words to describe my student life in FILA. The first word is exciting. In FILA, students can make friends with classmates from different areas and cultures, which gives them a chance to understand and learn about other cultures, which can help them understand this world. Moreover, studying in FILA also gives one more chance to have an experience in another country, such as in international fieldwork in Malaysia. The second word is challenging. Studying at FILA requires students to pay more attention and time because it demands the ability to plan their tasks effectively. The unique format of lectures ensures that students have ample opportunities for deep communication with classmates and professors, which can inspire new ideas.
What is your future plan after graduation from FILA?
"The world could always benefit from more heroes" is a quote from the game Overwatch, perfectly encapsulating my beliefs. I believe that education isn't just about improving our own lives; it's also about taking on greater responsibility to help those in need. That's why I'm committed to continuing my studies, so I can acquire new skills and knowledge to support others better. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am interested in engaging in more community service activities that allow me to contribute positively to society in the future. My experience with FILA has taught me how to communicate effectively with people, enabling me to act as a bridge that fosters unity.
Please give a message to prospective international students!
Moving to Japan marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life, filled with unique cultural experiences and new rules to learn. This transition can be challenging and may sometimes feel overwhelming, making it hard to balance your studies and personal life. It’s common for international students to doubt their abilities and experience anxiety during this period. My advice to you is to "find your step." Each of you will have your own unique journey and face different challenges. Remember, experiencing confusion and anxiety is part of this journey, and you are not alone. Your classmates are likely going through similar feelings. Embrace your experiences, support one another, and you will find your way.