Saying “Yes” in My Own Way, Because That Makes Life More Interesting

A Childhood of Curiosity About Other Cultures

When I was in elementary school, I got hooked on iCarly, an American kids’ comedy show that aired on NHK. That was the start of my interest in other cultures. My parents also loved movies, and we often watched international films together. Over time, I began preferring subtitles over dubbed versions, and eventually I found myself wanting to understand English films just by listening.

Later, I enrolled in a high school known for its language study programs and international trips, but unfortunately, everything was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While stuck at home, I discovered apps that let you connect with people from around the world. I started using them almost every day to chat or video call with people from different countries.

One friend I made was from Malaysia. I remember her telling me, “I’m hungry today because I can’t eat dinner,” which led me to learn about Ramadan and Islamic dietary rules, like the prohibition against eating pork. These conversations helped me realize how fun and eye-opening it is to connect with people from different backgrounds. I was in a science track in high school, but I found myself wanting to study languages in college.

Discovering the Department of French Literature

I was initially thinking of studying English in college, so one of my high school teachers recommended Meiji Gakuin University. At the same time, I was also interested in film, art, and fashion, so I found myself torn between three departments in the Faculty of Letters: English Literature, French Literature, and Art Studies.

What ultimately drew me to the French Literature Department was the fact that French is used not just as a language, but as a tool to explore a wide range of fields—philosophy, theater, film, music, and more. As someone who’s interested in both language and the arts, it felt like the perfect fit. As a high-school student, I didn’t yet know what I really wanted to do, so I appreciated that the Meiji Gakuin curriculum gives students time to figure that out, not beginning serious study toward a senior thesis until the third year. Also, the Yokohama campus, where students spend their first and second years, has a peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere that really appealed to me as someone who loves the outdoors.

Days of “Battling” with French

I started learning French for the first time after entering university, and it was tough—so many exceptions to the grammar rules, so much to memorize. I constantly felt like I was behind. Even when I tried to mimic my professors’ pronunciation, I just couldn’t get it right and ended up laughing at myself out of frustration.

Still, the French Literature Department has small classes, and the professors really understand how hard learning French can be. They were always kind and supportive. I often felt like my friends and I were fighting side by side against the French language, sometimes staying at the University library studying until eight p.m. It was exhausting, but looking back, even the struggles are fond memories.

The professors in the department are warm, funny, and genuinely likable. One of them once said, “We study French to seek freedom,” and that really struck a chord with me. I chose this department because I wanted to learn freely, so hearing that made me feel like I’d made the right choice.

These days, professors even invite me to help promote the department, things like creating videos to introduce our program to high school students. I also enjoy participating in regular events, like wine seminars and French pastry workshops. It’s a bright, friendly community.

My Experience at the Meiji Gakuin Contest 2024

The Meiji Gakuin Contest is a competition held during the Shirokane Festival, where participants compete in how well they can communicate a theme. I decided to enter after seeing an upperclassman from my club participate—it looked so cool and fun. I’ve always had this mindset of wanting to “reduce the number of things I don’t know before I die,” and I figured entering the contest might make life a little more interesting.

In the end, I was thrilled to win the grand prize. But more than that, what truly made me happy was realizing just how many people were cheering me on. Professors from the French Literature Department supported me, and even classmates I hadn’t spoken with much came up to offer words of encouragement. I was moved by how many people had my back; it was a truly special experience

I really love meeting new people and forming new communities. I find it incredibly exciting to talk with people who have completely different values and perspectives from mine.

Finding my Own Voice

Starting university gave me the freedom to express my individuality. It started with fashion, like how I dressed or wore my hair. As I met more people, I began to gain confidence in parts of myself I hadn’t thought much of before. Things like being able to strike up fun conversations with strangers, singing my own songs while playing guitar, or even more random skills like filleting fish or driving a stick shift. Those are some things people I met in college told me were impressive. That’s when I began to see them as strengths. I think it’s because I kept trying new things and putting myself out there that others started to notice and appreciate those parts of me.

Of course, I’m not all strengths; I’m aware of my weaknesses, too. During the Meiji Gakuin Contest, for example, I found myself comparing myself to other contestants. Even though I tell myself not to compare myself with others, not to care what others think, I still got discouraged. In such moments, I try to talk myself through it and shift my mindset. When something tough happens, I try to turn it into a funny story I can share with others.

Taking on the Challenge of a Working Holiday

From June of this year, I’m taking a leave from university to go on a working holiday in Montreal, Quebec. Montreal has both French and English as official languages, and I chose a working holiday over studying abroad because I want to experience what it’s like to work while building a community from scratch—meeting people of all ages and backgrounds who actually live there. I’m hoping to connect with others through conversation, experience different cultures firsthand, and visit local landmarks along the way.

For the first month, I’ll be staying with a host family while attending a language school. After that, I’ll need to find housing and a job on my own. I’ll also have to handle things like setting up a phone plan and opening a bank account. Even job hunting is different; sending a resume by email is considered rude, so I’ll have to go around handing them out in person. Right now, I’m preparing resumes to bring with me, and I’m working on my English and French through online lessons.

My Message to Prospective Students

I hope you won’t be afraid to pursue what you truly want, without worrying too much about how others see you. Even if something feels out of your league, just go for it! Try as many things as you can. I believe there are opportunities hidden everywhere, so I make it a point to say “yes” to whatever comes my way. And you don’t need to force yourself to be around people who don’t feel right. Spend time with those you admire and genuinely enjoy being with.

Sharing What Excites Me

In the future, I want to work in a place where I can express my personality and sense of humor, maybe something in advertising, editing, or film. I want to create things that excite people and bring smiles to their faces. For now, I’m focused on taking on new challenges during my working holiday in Canada and broadening my perspective. I’d love to share my music, daily life, and moments of discovery on social media, and connect with as many people as I can through what we love and enjoy.