In discussing the future with friends, I began to see the path to a career in research

Miki Takizawa
Department of Materials and Life Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology

Miki Takizawa is a native of Nagano Prefecture and a third-year student in the Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology. Reflecting on the joy of learning that he has discovered and his newfound personal growth, Miki talks about how “after beginning at Sophia University and living on my own, I’ve met many people on and off campus, prompting me to think more deeply about my values and goals.”

Exposure to a Broad Range of Subjects to Expand my Horizons

The two factors that led me to choose Sophia University were the University’s roots as a comprehensive university with a variety of undergraduate departments, both liberal arts, and sciences, and the Department of Materials and Life Sciences’ thorough coverage of a wide range of academic fields, allowing students to learn from multiple perspectives. In addition, Sophia University’s image as a global learning environment with many international students was very intriguing to me.

When I first started thinking about my future, Sophia University was not within my realm of options, but as I began to study for my entrance examinations in earnest, I came across the Faculty of Science and Technology curriculum. While conducting my own subsequent research, my desire to attend Sophia and be part of the Department of Materials and Life Sciences increased. When deeply thinking about what it was that I wanted to learn and how I wanted to grow, I felt like it was the right choice for me.

When I enrolled in the program, I found the barriers between departments to be low, and I was able to take a variety of liberal arts courses, even as a science major. I found my interactions with  studying humanities and social sciences, although the same age and from the same university, to be incredibly interesting and a way to broaden my perspective as their thought processes were very different from science majors.

Using my Time as I Wish While Living Alone

Coming from Nagano Prefecture, I was anxious about living alone for the first time in an unfamiliar place. I was worried about whether I would be able to balance my studies and household chores, but once I got started, I was used to it within a few months.

While cooking and cleaning are manageable once you’ve developed a rhythm, I look back on my life at home and can only feel immense gratitude to my family. Living alone has made me take responsibility for my own life, providing an opportunity for personal growth. I can now set my own study time, free time, and organize other parts of my life accordingly.

On days that I am free, I like to walk around Shinjuku or Kichijoji to refresh, usually on a whim and without a destination in mind. Living alone is a bit nerve-wracking because you are responsible for everything, but only living alone can provide the freedom to use your time in the way you choose; the joy of being able to go freely to and from various places has been one of the main appeals of living alone.

After I began living in Tokyo, I was reminded of the plentiful nature, clean air, and good water that I grew up with in Nagano. As a nature lover, it was the perfect environment for me. Being away from Nagano has given me a new appreciation for the charm of my hometown. However, in Tokyo, there are so many people and therefore, so many opportunities to meet a wide variety of people. These interactions with people from diverse backgrounds have been very exciting and has given me a chance to think about things from a new perspective.

How Wisdom and Inspiration from Friends Changed my Vision of the Future

In the Faculty of Science and Technology, where the Department of Materials and Life Sciences sits, students study a wide range of basic subjects in their first and second years, before moving on to more specialized studies in their third and subsequent years. While some universities have departments or majors that focus on one specific field from year one, Sophia’s Faculty of Science and Technology allows students to acquire a solid foundation in the sciences before identifying their specialized field of study. I’ve really enjoyed learning about a wide variety of areas to expand my knowledge, and then develop my specialization.

Before starting university, I had a vague idea about life and work after graduation, but as I made more acquaintances at school, I was inspired by those who thought about their future with a strong conviction to do things like attend graduate school to thoroughly study their specialty or to obtain a doctoral degree. This encouraged me as well, and I am currently planning to move on to graduate school and pursue a career in research.

I used to be someone who was easily swayed by others’ opinions, but after entering Sophia, living on my own, and meeting many people both on and off campus, I have begun to think more deeply about myself. With each new experience, I now ask myself “What is it that I want to do” and “In order to do that, what do I need to do,” allowing me to rethink my values and goals, and what actions align with those. My personal growth before and after entering Sophia is very clear.

How would you compare Sophia University to a local specialty or landmark?

– Nagano’s famous sake brewery.

Nagano Prefecture, with its abundant nature and delicious water, is home to the second-highest number of sake breweries in Japan. Nagano’s sake is so world-renowned that it has even won the top prize in the sake category at the world’s largest wine competition! There are so many different types of sake, all with a variety of different tastes and aromas. I feel that this diversity is similar to Sophia – where unique people from different backgrounds gather from all over the world to interact and experience new cultures and values.

*Please note that the content of this article is current as of July 2023.

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