(August) Tsubasa 2023

Roland: Hello Ran! Firstly, can you introduce yourself? Ran: Yes! My name is Song Hwarang, everyone calls me Ran-Chan, and I am from Korea. I am a 3rd-year student majoring in Education at the Faculty of Education. Nice to meet you! I am a little shy. Roland: Yeah!! Ran-chan and I were in the same Bekka batch, but we haven't seen each other much since graduating from the Bekka. It's been a while! Ran: Really, it’s been a while! Roland: By the way, Ran-chan, you are currently serving as the head of the General Management department in the International Student Café (Ryukitsu), aren't you? What are your goals as the department head this year? Ran: As the head of the General Management department, my goal is to create an enjoyable and comfortable foundation for all the staff and participants involved in the International Student Café activities. I want everyone to have a great time while feeling at ease during their involvement. Also, as the department head, I aim to support and assist the first and second-year members in their roles at the International Student Café so that they can comfortably work in their positions.

Roland: That's a wonderful goal! Have you gotten to know the new first-year members from this year?

Ran: Yes, I think it's great that the first-year students joined. Everyone in the first-year group is full of energy, so the atmosphere in the department has become much brighter and more positive.

Roland: I am wondering how many first-year members joined this year?

Ran: 3 new members!

Roland: That's impressive! Do you have any concerns as a department head? I believe the thoughts and worries department heads have are quite different compared to those of regular members. Ran:: Rather than just as a department head, I think the three of us, including myself and the other second-year student, share the same thoughts and concerns. While participating in the international student café activities, both the staff and participants feel that it's "challenging, but enjoyable!" We are currently concerned with figuring out how to overcome the barriers of nationality, language, and culture so that everyone can work together harmoniously. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, I also worry about how to effectively support other department heads and first-year students. As leaders of each department, we also need someone to rely on occasionally, so I spend a lot of time thinking about "how we can be supportive" of those department heads who may feel lonely or in need of assistance. Roland: That's amazing! Do you participate in any other activities besides the international student café?

Ran: Not particularly, but I'm also an RA at Manyo International Dormitory.

Roland: Do international students and Japanese students live together in Manyo Dormitory?

Ran: Yes, there aren't many international students, but we do live together in the same dormitory.

Roland: Is there anything you'd like to tell the staff who are participating in the international student café for the first time this year?

Ran: First and foremost, as the head of the General Management department, I'd like to convey my gratitude for becoming a part of the international student café. As they engage in future activities, I hope they hold the question in mind, "What is the international student café?" and continue to appreciate its significance throughout their journey. However, I understand that pondering such questions alone might become burdensome, so I encourage them to talk to many people and enjoy the activities while experiencing various aspects of the international student café. Roland: I feel the same way. If you have the opportunity to participate in the International Student Café next year, which department would you like to join?

Ran: Well, it's a bit tough to decide, haha. It is indeed difficult to choose a specific department, but I would like to try joining the Japanese Staff department or the Photography department. As you know, Roland, the International Student Café is not just for international students; it's a place where Japanese students and international students work together. The Japanese Staff Department has the most connections with Japanese students participating in the International Student Café. I chose this department because I want to build strong relationships with these valuable Japanese students who generously participate in the café and share our different thoughts and values.

As for the Photography department, I found it really astonishing to capture everyone's activities. Of course, the General Management department also oversees everyone's activities, but we don't necessarily document them like the Photography department does. Also, like the General Management department, the Photography department observes everyone from behind, but I personally enjoy that kind of position, so I would like to give it a try. Moreover, I think the Photography department allows us to experience the emotions of those moments when looking back at what I recorded, like saying, "Oh, we had so much fun back then!" or "Oh, that was a challenging time...". I feel that the Photography department provides a way to relive the emotions of those moments.

Roland: That's very meaningful. It may come off as a bit of a personal question, but do you have any plans or things you want to do during the summer vacation besides the International Student Café? Ran: There are things I want to do, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do them all. However, during the summer vacation, I would like to study Japanese in preparation for the next semester. If I have the time, I plan to do some pre-study to further improve my Japanese skills.

Roland: That's amazing! Keep up the good work!

Ran: I'm not sure if I'll actually get to study, but thank you! (laughs)

Roland: Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say to the people reading this interview?

Ran: I truly admire how everyone is working hard in their own way. It might be challenging at times, but let's do our best together and enjoy the journey!

Roland: Thank you for the interview!

Ran: Thank you very much. Interviewer： Roland

Secretary：Yun