【August 3/4】Thoughts about International Students Cafe

Keith: Hi Mimi! How are you doing? Welcome to the 3rd Tsubasa Interview of this month!

Mimi: Hello! I am really excited!

Keith: By the way, for many people, it might be the first time to meet you. Could you introduce yourself briefly first?

Mimi: For sure! Hello, once again! My name is To Wing Yiu but please call me Mimi. I am from Hong Kong and I am 19 years old. Also, I am a 1st-year student in the faculty of Science and Engineering for Sustainable Innovation. Nice to meet you!

Keith: Nice to meet you too! I didn't know you were an engineering student too! As you can see I am currently in the laboratory.

Mimi: (laughs)

Keith: First of all thank you so much for taking this opportunity to do this interview with us. I have just thought about this, but could you share with us why you decided to come to study at Soka University?

Mimi: Actually, it is not a deep reason but when I was searching for a university, I was sure I wanted to study something related to science and I was especially interested in Environmental or Biology. Then looking at some data about each university, I found out that Soka University has many courses I was interested in and finally decided to apply to this faculty.

Keith: It's amazing! It is important to choose something you like and you feel comfortable with. Did you have any interest in Japanese culture or tradition before coming here?

Mimi: Actually, I am an otaku! And do you know the Japanese Arashi band group?

Keith: Yes, I know!

Mimi: I am a big fan of that group! Since I was an elementary student I used to listen to them. Also, I watch a lot of Japanese programs, movies, and anime… Thanks to that I could understand Japanese little by little Japanese, and as I wanted to study abroad, I decided to come to Japan eventually.

Keith: Incredible! I can’t imagine how it is possible to learn Japanese while watching some tv programs. Even, you can speak Japanese better than me, I was in Japan for 4 years.

Mimi: Haha, I don't think so!

Keith: I would like to start with the main interview. The first question is related to this 43rd International Students Café. Mimi as a Japanese Staff (NichiStaff) department staff, why did you decide to participate this year?

Mimi: Now that I belong to this department, I wanted to do activities in which I could socialize with as many international students as possible. Moreover, as it is an amazing event in which international students become the protagonists, I thought it would be a good opportunity to express my friendship with all the participants.

Keith: Wow, it was a really deep reason. Actually, I was part of the NichiStaff department when I was a 1st-year student, and I could create wonderful golden memories. I can say that at the beginning it was a little bit scary because of the busy schedule. However, while participating in those activities, I could notice the importance of our roles in that department. It was a great department, and I feel no regrets. Also, this department has a big importance connecting not only international students but also Japanese students all together.

Mimi: I think so! As I am a 1st-year student, there are many 2nd, 3r, 4th year students also participating and sometimes I am worried about not being able to be a good leader. I would be really happy if I could become a person who creates an environment in which everyone can feel comfortable and a place in which I can be useful.

Keith: I see! Don't worry! If you keep that spirit of challenging yourself, you will be able to see how to overcome everything!

Mimi: I am looking forward to it! In this year's NichiStaff department, we are planning to create a video in which Japanese staff and international students will join their efforts to make a performance, dance or song. We will also do the video editing part, so I hope we can create a good video anyone would enjoy.

Keith: I am looking forward to it! Every year, the goal of the International Students Café does not change, but its contents are always different. That is really exciting, don't you think so?

Mimi: Yes! Please, keep looking forward to it!

Keith: Talking about the next question, as you might know, many students are not able to come to Japan. Inside this difficult situation, where would you like to strive for your best?

Mimi: Exactly.. Now, we are in a format that we can only connect through the internet. As you already experienced, the classes are also online. However, my for-life determination is to keep a challenging spirit. That is why, no matter if I am in Hong Kong or most of the activities are online, that I will use this time to do what I want to. I don't want to waste this precious time and eventually regret it. First of all and without losing my path is to try something.

Keith: Wow, I've just moved! Is there anything in particular that you would like to improve or challenge?

Mimi: It is very usual, but I would like to make a lot of friends. I would like to connect with them as much as possible.

Keith: I agree with you! Let's do our best so when we look back we don't regret anything! Lastly, is there anything that you are looking forward to the most? Also, please share with us your determination towards this International Students Cafe!

Mimi: I think that what I am looking forward to the most is the exchange with Japanese students and international students while being in the Japanese Staff department. As I am an international student, I would like to be able to share and know different points of view and values from different countries and people. But, what i hope the most is that we would create wonderful memories between all the participants. In other words, to become one and create a good environment.

Keith: That's amazing! There might be times in which we get worried about if we are being useful to the person who is in front of us, but from my point of view, the most important thing is to take the first step. While we don't forget the reason, we decided to participate in this International Students Café, there will always be energy to keep advancing! And, I am completely sure that Mimi will be an indispensable staff member for that department, so don't worry!

Mimi: I got it! I'll do my best in everything! I have already seen D-day watching the results and with no regrets. To achieve that, I will do my best to constantly communicate with everyone and create an enjoyable environment.

Keith: Amazing! I have more words to add! Please, keep as you are.

It's been a long time, but thank you so much for being here until the end!

Mimi: Thank you so much for such an opportunity! I hope to meet you soon in person.