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Interview with alumnus Junya Ikenaga

What I learned from being a Resident Assistant

My future goal was to work abroad, so I took advance of Waseda’s international curriculum by studying English and volunteering abroad through WAVOC, but what influenced me the most was my four years at the Tanashi dormitory^※. Approximately 30% of the students living there were international students, and I was surprised by how fluently they spoke Japanese and English along with their mother tongue and how clear their future visions were. Seeing them, I felt a sense of urgency, and this motivated me to make assiduous efforts towards academics and extracurricular activities, which led me to a fruitful student life.

To share what I learned from living in the dormitory with underclassmen, I decided to become a Resident Assistant (RA). As an RA, I always remembered to be a role model for everyone. Also, I took initiative to communicate with international students and made sure to include them in my group of friends. I had opportunities to speak in front of others, naturally training me to have leadership.

I chose to work for a shipping company not only because I wanted to work internationally, but I also enjoyed marine sports and felt the ocean close at heart. To be honest, other trading and international companies had offered me a position, but I had difficulties making a decision. When I reflected upon my career objectives, I realized I was attracted to those other industries only because they sounded exciting. When I asked myself about what I really wanted in life, my honest answer was to work at sea. I felt relieved and everything fell into place afterwards.

Currently as navigator, I must give orders without hesitation to veteran crew members who have worked in this field long before I was born. I believe the leadership and communication skills I have honed as an RA are a big help. Make decisions about how to steer your own life. This is what my superior said to me on my first day of work. I would like to dedicate these words to the newly admitted Waseda students.

※Until 2013, the Tanashi Dormitory acted as an international student residence. When Waseda International Student House (WISH) was completed, the Tanashi Dormitory changed its name to Tanashi Konpeki Dormitory, now housing student athletes.

Considering the feelings of others at an international dormitory

There were times at the dormitory where I had to intervene and mediate troubles occurring between students due to cultural differences. I listened to both sides and carefully examined the core of the problem behind what was happening on the surface level. Simultaneously, I questioned myself whether I was unconsciously making judgements based on my bias as a Japanese national. This experience trained me to put myself in someone else’s shoe.

A role leading people of different religious and cultural backgrounds

As a navigator who works in a multinational environment present day, I stay extremely aware of having understanding for others. For example, when people celebrate Christmas on board, what Christmas means changes depending on your religious affiliation. I believe it is important to stay open minded and embrace differences in culture and values.

※掲載情報は2015年度内の取材当時のものです。