【WHY SOKA FILA】-The reason why I chose SOKA FILA-
Ms. Sudhanshita Arora is a 4th year student of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA). She talked about why she chose Soka University and FILA although it's far away from her hometown, India, and how she feels about FILA.
Profile
Name: Sudhanshita Arora
Year Enrolled in FILA: 2021
Grade: 4th year
Home Country: India
Hobbies: Taking pictures and writing
Why did you choose Soka University and FILA?
I first got to know about Soka University when I was 12 years old, through my mom, who knew that I wanted to study abroad for my higher education. Not taking it seriously, I went on with my life without much consideration. However, around the last two years of High School, I started looking into Soka University and especially FILA's website. Knowing some people who had enrolled in this program, I reached out to them to understand what they experienced in this program. They all answered the same: it's an experience that cannot be explained in words. One person in particular said, "Even if they were to teach me ABC, I would enroll in Soka University, because of the system of Value Creating Education and the incomparable student-teacher bonds." I could not comprehend what that meant but because of my trust in this individual, I decided to take this leap and apply to FILA at Soka University.
How did you find FILA?
To be honest, I did not spend much time considering other universities, and very confidently applied to Soka University's FILA, due to the positive feedbacks I had received from seniors and friends. Studying Economics, Business, Accounting, and Sociology, in my high school as A-levels, I knew that I was not satisfied with the current capitalist systems, and wanted to make better. This aligned very well with Soka University's vision of fostering individuals that work for the betterment and happiness of humanity, based on founder Ikeda's views and guidelines. Not being sure, how exactly I wanted to contribute in this world, FILA was a great program since I could explore many fields and subjects and thereafter, decide my field in academics.
What are your impressions of student life at FILA?
FILA is a great program, and I think it has the ability to enable each learner to discover their potential. I was very impressed by the opportunity to learn about diverse topics, like that of Comfort Women, in my first year during the Principles of History. Also, unlearning my biases and unjust prejudices about several practices, systems and groups, was another big part of this journey. Following this thought, I chose to major in the field of leadership, under the guidance of Professor Maria Guajardo who, without any exaggerations, has shaped me into the person I am today. Her teaching method that allowed me to unlearn, relearn and learn has become an ethos of my life and a lens I view the world through today. Thanks to her, I could also see the imbalances on campus and decided to challenge myself to achieve equity for English-speaking students to participate in student activities, such as the International Student Cafe, for the Soka University Festival. Soka University, isn't perfect, however the professors and administration that push students to enable more just systems while allowing us to discover our potential, are part of the life changing journey of higher education.
What is your future plan after graduation from FILA?
As I head towards my graduation from FILA, having learned about leadership, peace education, decolonial education, Value Creating Education, and so much more, I have understood the importance of educational leadership the next generation is awaiting. I plan to continue my studies, and work towards decolonizing education through its linkages to Value Creating Education and how youth leadership in education, is the most essential way to tackle unjust systems of oppression in the world and realize the idea of Global Citizenship, that founder Ikeda has stressed upon. I hope to start a PhD program in the UK, towards accomplishing this future educational endeavor.
Please give a message to prospective international students!
"For what purpose should one cultivate wisdom? May you always ask yourself this question!" This phrase that is engraved on one of the statues here at Soka University became my guiding principle in my student life and beyond. Considering the value that your actions create not just for yourself, but for the future of Soka University and Value Creating Education are something that I hope each Soka graduate can embrace and embody as we step out into the world. Please come here with curiosity, criticality and huge expectations, and please graduate with even bigger dreams, success stories, and self discoveries. This was what I can say to describe my experience at Soka University, and I hope each one of you too can find a home, a beloved community here in the small town of Tangimachi in Hachioji. So, when someone asks you "where are you a local?" even after a decade from your graduation, you can proudly say "Hachioji." Because I am sure that I would definitely say so.
