Noriko

At ANU, I met wonderful friends from all over the world. Exchanging ideas and values with friends with different cultural background was very precious experience. It certainly changed how I think about my life and my value that came from mono-cultural environment in Japan. Now I believe I have broader perspective, I became more flexible about the way I think, and I became more understanding and wanting to know about other culture. Because of the precious experience I had at ANU, I cannot wait to see other parts of the world I haven’t seen yet and meet many people, inspire others and to be inspired as well.

I am currently doing masters program in sociology at the University of Tokyo, Japan. ANU provided me with the best opportunity and environment to reflect and think critically about my own country through its liberal (not conservative) education. Every lecture was thought-provoking and they let us form about our own opinion and thoughts. I got especially interested in gender in our society, leading to pursue my study in this area here in Japan. I am now studying gender inequality in Japanese society, and I wish to do Ph.D. program outside of Japan in the near future.

I choose ANU because it is one of the best (or the best) universities in Australia, it has a great environment for studying, and because the students here are highly motivated. ANU has a great educational program – lecturers and tutors are highly-motivated in teaching, and are always very helpful and easy to reach when you want to discuss about your study. Internet technologies are very advanced (e.g. Wattle, and lecture recording system. And especially the library website, it’s very easy to find books and articles you are looking for, and ANU is abundant in such resources) that it helps and smooths your study. Also, every lectures and tutorials are always well prepared and engaging.

I was one of the executive members of the ANU Japan club in 2011. They have a lot of big events throughout the year which needs a lot of meetings and preparations, and as being a part of the executive member, I could experience a lot and meet people through event organising. I was also in charge of the language exchange program for Japan club, where I organised various games and topics every week. Moreover, thanks to the great location, every year we have a joint sports event with the Embassy of Japan, University of Canberra, and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association (JETAA) & Canberra Japan Club. It’s great that we have an opportunity to be connected with people outside ANU.

What is really important to think about when you’re making a decision is what YOU want, not what the society wants you to be. I realised this when I was studying at ANU, and was also inspired by many friends I made there. When I was in Japan, life seemed easy and I didn’t realise how much I was influenced by the expectation that society has on women. But now I am very motivated to study more to discover who I am and shape myself better through education. Ever since I graduated from ANU, I have confidence in me and am very excited about my future. I hope that someday I can contribute to the society. Education and experience at ANU has given me a precious opportunity to discover the purpose/goal for my life.