How did International Studies prepare you for life after SUA?
After graduating from SUA, I started working at an international preschool and kindergarten in Tokyo, Japan. I teach kids from 2-6 years old and some elementary kids for after school English lessons. What I learned in INTS is not directly applicable to my work, but the way I see things has changed by learning new ideas and discussing with classmates. Before coming to SUA, I had no interest in learning history and knowing what was happening in the world. INTS really made me understand that what’s happening in the world is a product of what happened in history. Many things are interrelated and we have to see one event from various perspectives. It sounds very basic, but for me, it was eye opening experiences and I try to apply this way of thinking to the kids I teach by frankly asking “Why do you think so?”, “What if you were in this position…?“ I hope that the kids won’t make the quick answers but instead, keep thinking and asking questions with their minds opened.
What are some of your best memories and lessons from INTS classes?
I loved and enjoyed all the classes, but Political Buddhism was the class that helped me deepen and strengthen my understanding of my background. There are a lot of good memories. I personally struggled with doing a presentation in the beginning, but I did it like a skit with some paper puppets once and it worked out. It was really fun and made me a little more confident. Going to some field trips to gain firsthand experiences were amazing as well!
Do you have any advice for current INTS concentrators?
Stay open-minded and listen to ideas and opinions that are different from yours. If you stick to your own opinions too much, you may miss something important. Also don’t hesitate to share your ideas that you think are trivial because they might become the starting point of a great dialogue.