(JUNE) TSUBASA 2023

Dongu: Hello, Yukie! I'm Dongu, a 2nd-year student in the Faculty of Business Administration. This is our first conversation, so let's start with self-introductions!

Yukie: Okay! I'm Yukie, a 1st-year student in the Department of Information Systems Science, Faculty of Science and Technology. Nice to meet you!

Dongu: Nice to meet you too!

Dongu: Yukie, you were in the Bekka last year, and now you're a 1st-year undergraduate student, right? How do you feel about becoming an undergraduate student?

Yukie: When I was studying in the Bekka, I thought it was really challenging, but compared to this year, it wasn't as difficult. Most of the classes in the undergraduate program are conducted in Japanese, so I'm challenging myself in various aspects, including Japanese. Also, since I spent most of last year with international students, it's a bit challenging to become close with Japanese students this year, but I'm doing my best.

Dongu: I’m sure you are doing your best in Japanese. How is the study of the Department of Science and Engineering compared to Bekka?

Yukie: In reality, the kanji we studied back in the Bekka and the ones we are using in the faculties are completely different. It is really hard to understand the kanjis used in faculties so I still need to polish up my kanji knowledge.

Dongu: Absolutely, seems like everyone is saying the words from the faculties are difficult.How about the lecturer from your department?

Yukie: Sure it is. I believe that undergraduate programs are demanding. I can feel more of the distance between me and the lecturers when compared to the Bekka program. Seem like, undergraduate students are highly expected.

Dongu: That’s true. Teachers in Bekka are really nice, so they are more like seniors than teachers. It's been about 50 days since April started. Have you made a lot of friends?

Yukie: Among the international students, I have already become close with many people. However, among the Japanese students, there are quite a few who are a bit shy, making it difficult to become as close with them as with the international students. Since I am a female student, and I have already become friends with many of the female students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, as they are very kind. As for the male students, I have only exchanged greetings with them, so we haven't become close yet. However, I believe they are kind individuals because we help each other during classes.

Dongu: It does seem challenging, doesn't it? I also find it difficult to become close with Japanese students compared to international students. Actually, it's not just you. I also feel the same way. (laughs)

We're approaching the midterm test period soon, aren't we? Is there anything you found particularly challenging while studying?

Yukie: I think it's math lately. Even studying math in my native language, Portuguese, is difficult, but studying it in Japanese is even more challenging. However, I want to work hard in studying Japanese!

Dongu: That's true. Basic Japanese conversation skills are sufficient in the Bekka, but when it comes to studying in the undergraduate program, we need to put in more effort. I'm also studying math while taking economics classes at the Faculty of Business Administration, and every time I see a math textbook, I'm always impressed by the students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. (laughs) By the way, do you like math?

Yukie: I love math! I have an interest in it, but I still think I'm not very good at it. But because I enjoy it, I think studying it as an undergraduate will be a good challenge. Of course, there are times during class when I occasionally feel a dislike for it, but overall, I like it. (laughs)

Dongu: I think it will definitely be a good challenge. Apart from mathematics, are there any new things you're trying this year? Or are there any activities you would like to try in the future?

Yukie: Yes, there are! I was considering participating in the international student cafe, but since last year, I've been thinking about joining club activities, so I joined Route this year. I want to try a new challenge at Route this year.

Dongu: Route is a dance group, right? Do you like dancing?

Yukie: I really love it! Dancing is my hobby.

Dongu: That's cool! Are you already doing activities in Route?

Yukie: Not yet! I had an interview two weeks ago, and now I'm waiting for the results to be announced.

Dongu: I see! I hope you get in Route, Yukie! If not the club, are there any other challenges you're taking on?

Yukie: Since I'm always on the 7th floor, I only talk to international students. That's why this year, I want to build stronger relationships with Japanese students. I don't have many opportunities to speak or interact in Japanese when I'm with international students, so I want to increase my involvement with Japanese people this year. Also, because my Japanese is still not very good, I want to work hard on practicing Japanese together!

Dongu: You're really challenging yourself in various fields. Balancing studies and club activities is difficult, but I believe you can do it! It might still be a distant goal for you, but do you have any goals that you definitely want to achieve before graduation?

Yukie: I want to become fluent in Japanese like a native Japanese speaker! There was a time when I saw seniors who had become fluent in Japanese, and I thought it was amazing. When I participated in FSA events and saw Suya and Choi, who were in the same group, I thought I wanted to become fluent in Japanese like them. Becoming fluent in Japanese is the biggest goal that I want to achieve before graduation.

Furthermore, during my time as a Bekka student, I received a lot of help from my seniors. So, I also want to become a senior who can assist my juniors. Support from seniors is important for Bekka students, so I want to help my juniors just like my seniors helped me. Also, while living in the Cosmos Dormitory, I received various gifts and encouragement from Yun, so I would be happy if I could become a senior like Yun.

Dongu: You want to become a senior like Yun? (laughs)

Yukie: Yes, I want to. (laughs)

Dongu: I also want to become fluent in Japanese! As you said, seniors who can speak Japanese well and provide assistance for us are really important to Bekka students. You're still a freshman, but you have more impressive goals than me. You're truly amazing!

Are you currently living in the Cosmos Dormitory as a dormitory assistant?

Yukie: No, both Bekka students and first-year undergraduate students can live in the dormitory as dormitory students. I'm considering living on my own next year.

Dongu: You're considering various things, aren't you? This question is a bit personal, but what was the reason you wanted to enter the Faculty of Science and Engineering?

Yukie: Originally, I loved programming and building robots, and after watching a Korean drama about artificial intelligence, I was truly amazed. I wanted to learn more about artificial intelligence, so I made up my mind to enter the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Also, since I was young, I had wanted to study at Soka University. If I had the opportunity to study there, I wanted to learn about programming and artificial intelligence. So, based on these two reasons, I decided to challenge myself in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Soka University. And I hope to find employment in a workplace related to artificial intelligence.

Dongu: That's great! It's really wonderful that you ended up entering Soka University's Faculty of Science and Engineering based on your past dreams and interests. When it comes to artificial intelligence, ChatGPT comes to mind. ChatGPT is truly a friendly companion. (laughs)

Yukie: Yes, that's right! I also want to help other friends like ChatGPT. (laughs)

Dongu: That's amazing! I have one final question: What is your determination for this year?

Yukie: I want to make many friends, improve my GPA, and give my best until the end of this year! Also, I want to create lots of great memories with my Brazilian friends and Japanese friends in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, without giving up throughout the year.

Dongu: I have learned a lot from you! Grades are the most important without a doubt.

Yukie: Yes, I want to work hard to improve my grades! Although I was surprised by how different the undergraduate is compared to the Bekka, I will give my best until the end!

Dongu: How many exams do you have?

Yukie: I have a math test every week, and there are also tons of reports and assignments.

Dongu: Having daily assignments is more difficult than taking an exam. I can say you're busy as an undergraduate student compared to the Bekka, but it's truly admirable to see you doing hard every day. Let's try our best together! Thank you for the interview!

Yukie: Yes! Thank you very much!

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Interviewer：Dongu

Secretary：Yun