Asking for help and connecting with others is key to a fulfilling university experience
3rd-year School of Social Sciences IMANALIEVA Akylai
As a teenager from Bishkek city in the Kyrgyz Republic , I could only dream of the opportunities I now enjoy as an international student at Waseda University . The moment I set out on my university application journey, the appeal of an international environment and the resonating goals of the TAISI program captivated me. This exceptional experience has metamorphosed my university life into an exceptional odyssey, brimming with challenges, meaningful connections, lasting friendships, invaluable experiences, occasional uncertainties, boundless happiness, and, most importantly, profound personal growth.
During my freshman year, amidst the global pandemic that forced to remain my homeland, Kyrgyz Republic, and attend online classes, uncertainty clouded my thoughts. Questions about when international borders would reopen and what the future held for me loomed large. It was during this pivotal moment that I had a life changing experience with a former Waseda University professor, Takuya Soma, who currently serves as an Associate Professor at Kyoto University.
Our introduction was serendipitous, occurring during my very first online semester at Waseda University, facilitated by a teacher from the Kyrgyz Republic-Japan Human Resources Development Center (KRJC). This connection was made possible by the tight-knit Japanese community in Kyrgyz Republic. Engaging in research on snow leopards in my homeland, I assumed the role of a field assistant and contributed to projects centered on traditional ecological knowledge and biological research. This experience was nothing short of transformative.
Field trip to the Issyk-Kul region. The mission was to retrieve cameras and other materials set up during the previous expedition in the mountains at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters
With the research team’s unwavering support and measures in place to ensure our safety amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19, we successfully conducted research in the mountains of the Issyk-Kul area in Kyrgyz Republic. The guidance and wisdom I received from my assisting professor, coupled with the knowledge gained from my professors’ classes during that semester, proved instrumental in my personal growth.
This unique opportunity enabled me to bridge the gap between my academic pursuits and my cultural roots, significantly bolstering my confidence in both my studies and myself.
After completing my sophomore year, I felt an innate desire to expand my horizons and delve deeper into the realm of social innovations. This aspiration led me to the remarkable opportunity to participate in the SPICE/Stanford-Waseda Intensive Course on Sustainable Business and Social Innovation. This intensive week of collaboration with brilliant minds from Waseda University, complemented by enlightening guest speakers, left an indelible imprint on my journey of personal growth.
Left：Pre-Exploration Gathering for the Social Innovation Forum: This snapshot captures me and my fellow Waseda University students from the Campus Asia program just before we embarked on an exploration of Singapore’s local districts. The author is second from the right in the back row
Right：With friends at the Okuma Garden. The author is in the back
A shot taken at the Singapore airport on the last day of the Social Innovation Forum, as a teenager I was fascinated by the intricacies of airports and their city-like ecosystems. This trip represents a milestone in my life and the fulfillment of a personal dream!
One particularly memorable aspect of that week was the collaborative brainstorming sessions with my teammates, where we focused on addressing the poignant issue of “lonely death” (Kodokushi 「孤独死」) prevalent in Japanese society. The gravity of the topic underscored the significance of our efforts, as we worked collectively to devise solutions. This experience served as a perfect crucible for testing our ability to collaborate effectively within a group and sharpening our critical thinking skills. Our ideas were rigorously examined not only by our peers but also by visiting experts.
What made this experience truly invigorating was the balance between support and challenge that I received from my fellow students and the course staff. Together, we dared to venture beyond our comfort zones, pushing the boundaries of innovation. In doing so, we unearthed the enchantment of a dynamic community that thrives on the collective pursuit of growth.
Coming to Waseda University, I’ve learned that seeking help and connecting with others are the keys to a fulfilling university experience. Waseda is a nurturing community that encourages growth and supports students in finding their own paths. My journey is testament to the multitude of opportunities that surround you. Dare to take risks, reach for greatness beyond what you believe you can achieve.
～What surprised me the most in Japan～
Kyrgyz Republic and Japan are distinct in various aspects, spanning food preferences, daily routines, cultural norms, and even geographical characteristics. An intriguing facet that immediately captures one’s attention upon arrival in Japan is the highly organized conduct of Tokyo’s residents, a notable feature within this sprawling and intricate metropolis. This becomes evident in their remarkable adherence to well-defined social norms. To illustrate, let’s take the example of Shinjuku station, often considered one of the most complex stations not just for me but also for my friends. Despite its intricacy, the majority of people seamlessly follow established social norms and behavioral standards within this intricate and often crowded space of the Shinjuku station. This includes simple practices like walking on a specific side of the pathway (typically the left side), observing escalator etiquette, and forming orderly lines in public areas, public transportation, and at exits.
The significant disparity in behavioral patterns between Kyrgyzstan and Japan can be attributed to various factors. This encompasses the lower population density in the Kyrgyz capital and the less overt visibility of certain behavioral standards in my home country, Kyrgyzstan. For me, these striking differences between both countries only fuel my interest in delving deeper into the social aspects of Japanese society while continuing to study the facets of my own home country.
With friends from the TAISI program. As a hobby and stress reliever, I am on a food adventure introducing authentic Central Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine in Tokyo (the author is on the left).
