Thank you, Misaki
Today is the last day in the office for our amazing intern, Misaki, who flies back to Japan tomorrow! Misaki has done so much to help out at the front desk and at FIUTS events over the last few months, and we'll miss her a lot. She wrote a blog post to say goodbye and share what she plans to do with her time post-FIUTS.
Where are you from?
I’m from Japan. I was born in Kyoto and moved to Yokohama, Chiba and Osaka. All my family is from Kyoto, and I’ve been living in Kyoto since I was 18 years old, so I always say I’m from Kyoto.
What year are you and what are you studying?
I am a senior studying political science in Kyoto Prefectural University.
What made you have interest in other cultures?
When I was 20 years old, I went to the Philippines to study English for one month. It gave me a big impact. That studying trip gave me the idea that English is a language, not a subject to get in the university. English education in Japan focuses on more about translation than speaking, so I had no idea what English is like. Since then I really love English and getting to know other culture. I really like developing countries because I can feel energy a lot from people more than developed country. I really want to go to Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. If you are interested in going there with me, let me know!
Misaki's goodbye gift to the office: A beautiful picture of the FIUTS staff and interns!
What have you done during your time as a FIUTS intern, and what was your favorite thing that you did?
I sold events, manage the Facebook page, answering email and phone call. Also, I made the event on May 3rd. I hope many people can enjoy it! I was able to meet SO MANY people from different back ground through working at FIUTS which is my favorite thing. I wish I joined FIUTS soon after I came here. I’m sad I have to say goodbye. The biggest thing that I think I’ve changed after I came to the US is I don’t judge people anymore. When I was in Japan, I tend to judge people by my measure. After I met so many people in the US, I started understanding people who have different thoughts and now I can think it’s natural and I can see good aspects of people and respect them. I hope my thought won’t change after I go back to Japan.
Misaki enjoying a goodbye cupcake on her last day!
What are your plans after you leave FIUTS?
I’m thinking having Japanese language class in Japan for international students. I’ve been realizing there is a distance between local people and international students. I want international students to have great experience in Japan by making Japanese friends and getting to know them. I will try to make a connection between Japanese and international students.
Also, I will continue doing “Dream Factory” Facebook page. I hope many people will get encouraged by subscribing that Facebook page. I liked everything so much here.
I wish I can come back for graduate school or job or marriage (hahahaha).
Thank you, Misaki, for everything! Come back and visit us soon!