(April 1/2)Introduction from a Freshman

Hee: Hello! Thank you so much for having the interview today! Let's start the interview by introducing yourself!

Gen: Hi, my name is Chao and I'm from Malaysia. My nickname is Gen. I am 20 years old. I'm currently a freshman in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, studying in the Department of Sustainable Innovation! Nice to meet you!

Hee: Thank you! First of all, this may be a personal question, but could you tell me why your nickname is "Gen"?

Gen: Oh, that's because when I change the last kanji in my name to Japanese, the pronunciation becomes "Gen"!

Hee: I see! That's a good nickname! Then when did you come to Japan?

Gen: I came around at the end of March this year with some Bekka students!

Hee: Oh, it's quite recent, then how was the entrance ceremony you had this year?

Gen: It was wonderful! It was bigger than I thought as I saw it online last year! Right before the entrance ceremony, I was glad that I could take pictures with my friends who were in the same Bekka course as me.

Hee: I think it's your first time meeting friends who are from a different department after a year. How do you feel about being able to enter the school together?

Gen: In conclusion, I'm very happy! We haven't seen each other for a long time, so I had a lot of fun taking pictures and talking together at the entrance ceremony.

Hee: Oh, I see! So, about last year, we had a Bekka course online. Have you ever had a hard time in the Bekka course?

Gen: Of course, it was difficult to learn languages online, but I personally had the hardest time practicing the Japanese that I had learned in class. I think my friends in other departments were probably the same.

Hee: Wow, good job on overcoming your problems and situation! Congratulations on becoming an undergraduate student! Your hard work is appreciated.

Gen: Thank you!

Hee: Can you tell me how you got over it?

Gen: We studied hard together, focusing on what we learned from our teachers. Of course, there were times when I had a hard time, but I was able to continue studying with a lot of confidence because I received various encouragement from my mom and dad.

Hee: I see! You did a great job!

Gen: I think my friends from the Bekka course did the same (lol).

Hee: Ah, everyone is wonderful (lol). Through that process, you finally became an undergraduate, but what do you want to do the most after becoming an undergraduate?

Gen: As expected, I've always wanted to participate in the club activities when I became an undergraduate student because students from the Bekka course can't join the club activities at Soka University.

Hee: Oh, I see. Then, what kind of club activities do you want to join?

Gen: I want to join a club that involves physical education. The reason is that I want to strengthen my body. I want to make a lot of Japanese friends by joining the club activities. Also, I have never experienced the festival before, so I would like to participate in the international student cafe and have fun with my international student friends.

Hee: Lastly, if you have any advice for junior students, studying Japanese this year, please let me know!

Gen: First of all, I don't think the Bekka course is as difficult as undergraduate studies (lol), but I want those who are joining the Bekka course in the future to study hard while interacting with their classmates because you have to make your best effort!

Hee: Wow, you're a great senpai! That's it all for today's interview! Thank you so much for taking the interview. Please do your best in your undergraduate classes and make lots of good memories at the university!

Gen: Yeahhh! Thanks so much for the interview.