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Finding my place on campus helped me discover my true passion

Peti Phyu Sin, 3rd year student,School of International Liberal Studies

A photo from fruit picking in Okayama

I spent my entire three years of high school relentlessly studying to pass the most important exam in my country, which is similar to the university entrance exam. And I did. I managed to get into the medical university in Myanmar..

My hard work paid off. The problem was I did not enjoy it. I realized that I never truly wanted to be a doctor and had no passion for studying medicine. I craved something exciting and thrilling. This is how my journey to Japan began.

Studying abroad has always been my dream, though I somehow forgot about that during my high school years. When I finally decided to pursue it, I could not think of a place other than Japan. Japan had already fascinated me with its rich and unique culture. On top of that, I have always loved watching anime, and I started learning the language during my extra time after I finished high school.

I came to Japan in 2022, which was right after the pandemic and enrolled in a Japanese language school located in Kyoto. My journey in Japan began with nothing but excitement and hope, eager to discover my true self. I spent a year at the Japanese language school, preparing to enter one of the Japanese universities. I decided on the School of International Liberal Studies（SILS）of Waseda University because of its unique curriculum, welcoming environment and great support for international students like me.

Left: At a Japanese language school in Kyoto (the author is third from the right in the front row)
Photo on the right: Entering Waseda University in April 2023!

Things took a turn when I was in my first year at Waseda. It made me realize how limited my world had been before. The culture and curriculum were completely different from what I was used to back home. Everything at Waseda felt overwhelming, so many people, a completely new environment and the energy of the freshmen around me which I struggled to match. 

 I was in a rush at that time, taking too many classes and trying to join student clubs that didn't really suit me. The first semester was a mess. However, I didn’t want to give up. I decided to go back home for the summer break to recharge with my family.

 After returning, everything started to fall into place. I found my spot at theIntercultural Communication Center (ICC) at Waseda University, working as a student staff leader and helping create a space for intercultural exchange among students.

I first joined the Welcome Cafe event as a first-year student, and I was amazed to see student staffs leading the activities—they were so cool. I also participated in the ICC  outreach program, where I had the opportunity to teach my own culture to Japanese middle school students. It was such a fun experience. That's when I decided I wanted to become an SSL at ICC, as student staff play a key role in connecting students from different backgrounds, and I wanted to be part of that.  

Left: In January 2024, I went to Disneyland with friends from the dorm (the author is in the back right)
Photo on the right: Myanmar culture was introduced at an ICC event in November 2024.

It was there that I discovered one of my true passions. Most of my studies also focus on culture and international relations which have been incredibly helpful to my current student activities and will support my future career. I finally learned how to enjoy student life in Japan. I made so many friends and experienced new things, both good and bad.

Now, as a third-year student, I became a Resident Assistant (RA)at one pf the exchange student dormitories.  I also need to start job hunting. I cannot wait to write a new chapter of my life and see where this journey of mine will take me.

Left: A trip to Amanohashidate in Kyoto in 2022. The scenery was beautiful.
Photo on the right: Wearing a yukata at a Japanese festival in August 2024

～What surprised you when you came to Japan～

Food culture was definitely a shock to me. I did have a hard time getting used to the food in Japan. Burmese food tends to be greasy and rich in flavor, and I particularly enjoy spicy food. However, Japanese food felt too bland for me at first. It is too healthy for someone from the Southeast Asian countries. I lost a lot of weight since I could not enjoy the food.

Now, I think I have become somewhat “allegedly Japanese” now since I actually enjoy eating natto with rice topped with a raw egg for breakfast. I’ll admit, I didn’t like it at first because it was very slimy. The taste wasn’t too bad though, since we have similar soybean dishes in my country. The secret is adding a raw egg, which makes natto even more delicious. My favorite Japanese food is katsudon and lately, I started to enjoy eating motsunabe. 

I love anime and enjoy going to events. Izuku Midoriya, the main character of the manga "My Hero Academia" (pictured right), is a kind-hearted boy who works hard towards his dreams, and I love watching him grow up.