St.Mary’s International School (Graduated in May 2012)- School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University (Graduated in September 2016)
- Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Japan (October 2016 – August 2022
- Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University (Entered in August 2022)
Last fall (August 2022), I started a new chapter by enrolling in New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service to undertake my Master of Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy. Of the six specialization courses that are available, I am currently specializing in International Development Policy and Management.
To give you a quick brief of how and why I’m here, I should probably start my story from where I travelled to the Republic of Palau during one of the breaks while studying at the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) at Waseda. I went to get certified for diving, where I encountered and was drawn into the pristine natures of Palau. Following this trip, I found myself on a plane heading to this paradise every time I had the chance. Then I started interning at the Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Japan and upon graduating in September 2016, I started my first job there.
The effects of climate change and the importance of sustainable development, as I saw through my own eyes from coral bleaching and the positive impact of multiple facilities and equipment provided through the Official Development Assistances (ODA) such as those from Japan, are real. I had always thought of pursuing a master’s but was unsure of exactly what it was I wanted to do. But as this triggered a growing interest, I knew this was it and I endeavored on my search of a graduate program.
Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge connecting Koror and Babeldaob islands in Palau built with Japan’s ODA
In the classes of NYU Wagner, we are often encouraged to actively participate and discuss our opinions, and the exchanges are beneficial as we all come from various backgrounds. In addition, all courses are interrelated and woven together towards public service and policy that we often are left thinking about public policy and international development while sitting in our microeconomics or statistics class.
Out of the classroom, living in New York City and moreover in Manhattan is surreal. I currently reside in Midtown East, close to the United Nations Headquarters, and it awes me every time I pass by. This is the center of international relations and where discussions of global issues take place. New York is also a cultural hub and not a day passes without hearing people speaking French, Chinese, and even Japanese, and I’ve found myself exploring the various food available in the city.
My understanding is that exchanges among people are at the heart of international relations and development, and that we must bear this in mind in order to enhance development. During my work at the Palau Embassy, small achievements at various moments created a sense of accomplishment. At NYU Wagner we will work on a capstone project, and I am convinced that the experience as well as any future works contributing to the sustainable development of developing countries will be all rewarding in different ways.
NYU Wagner
SILS provides a diverse liberal arts program. I can speak from my experience of taking courses in international relations and urban studies while my thesis was on physics, more specifically on the Kármán vortex. This diversity in knowledge is what shapes who I am and what will be the basis of my future. Furthermore, being brought up in an international school, I chose to enroll at SILS as I saw it as a school that is focused on globalization more than any other university in Japan.
It’s ok even if you don’t know or are still wondering what you would like to do in the future. But you must be ambitious and continue searching for what interests you. You never know when an opportunity will arise but believe in yourself, and what is important is that when that opportunity comes, take it. Challenge yourself and you will find your answer. SILS provides this space for you to explore and expand your boundaries to find and pursue your future path.
This content is as of the time of issuance.
