Voice

Profile

Scholarships Received:

• Saionji Memorial Scholarship (Academically Outstanding Students Category)

High School:
Hangzhou Foreign Languages School

Why did you choose to study in CRPS?

The primary reason that I chose CRPS was its multidisciplinary curriculum, which allows us to explore a wide range of social issues. Also, I was looking forward to the on-site research projects in first and second years. I believe this focus on policymaking and application is what distinguishes the CRPS major from other social science programs.

What is your life in CRPS / Ritsumeikan like?

I have always been interested in minority rights issues, and this led me to take various courses related to human rights. Among them, the most unforgettable course so far has been Gender Studies, taught by Professor Hicks, who is also my seminar instructor. The lecture covered is based on feminist theories, with an emphasis on various controversial issues relating to gender inequality. Our discussions on affirmative action particularly inspired me, and I eventually chose it as the main focus for my thesis.

My life in Japan started to become busier from this semester. I currently work as a teaching assistant for the university’s CALL Chinese courses. Preparing for and assisting in Chinese classes not only helps me improve my Japanese but also helps me rediscover my native language from the perspective of teaching it as a second language.

I’m also a member of the Globalization Promotion Office in the Student Union. Recently, our team has been working on translating University Festival brochures and posters into English. We also work as translators and facilitators to help international students participating in university events.

Outside of university, I participate in volunteer work regularly. Now I’m a volunteer leader of an organization called Hands on Tokyo, and I run an English classroom project for single mothers and children living in shelters. To me, being an international student means having the strength of language skills and diverse perspectives. I want to make the most of these by sharing my culture with others and learning from theirs in return.

What are your plans after CRPS?

My current plan is to find a job in Japan, ideally in a consulting firm or a think tank. In my first year, I wasn’t sure if I would stay and work in Japan. However, after studying Japanese for almost three years, I’ve realized that I want to make use of this language in a professional setting.

How would You recommend CRPS?

Whether you want to pursue an academic path or start a career in a related field, I believe that RU and the CRPS program offer the perfect platform.
In the end, the only person you can truly control is yourself, so why not start now?