The chances we take allow us to experience more of the world
“I want to become a person who can contribute to the sustainable development of Japan,” says Hikari Arai, a senior in the Department of Economics. The process of developing this vision for her future has provided her with many opportunities for growth, both as a student and a human being.
A Strong Foundation of Knowledge Allows Growth in All Areas
My decision to study economics stemmed from the Japanese history classes I took in high school. In reading Japanese history, I realized that economic trends have always influenced culture, politics, and diplomacy. Studying and majoring in economics at university would build a strong foundation of knowledge that would be applicable no matter what career path I choose in the future.
Sophia University is relatively small for a private university. The Faculty of Economics has two departments, Economics and Management, with 200 students in each department. This allows for intimate classes, collaborative group work, and meaningful discussions.
The Department of Economics has a class system with about 40 students per class, so I was able to interact with other students from the start. In addition, the two departments have few barriers between them, so students can freely choose to attend both seminars and classes from both departments, according to their interests.
One class that left a lasting impression on me was the “Basic Banking Seminar,” a joint course between Aozora Bank and Sophia University. The course was run by an employee of Aozora Bank, who taught us about both general and advanced banking operations. The discussions amongst the students in this course were eye-opening. I had learned about theory in class, but this course allowed me to see how theory is applied in the business world.
I believe that the experience of applying the knowledge gained in the classroom to practical work will definitely be useful in the future. Also, with banks considered to be going through a period of change, I learned about what exactly banks are doing to facilitate these changes. The more I study economics, the more I think that the financial industry is an exciting space to make a career in.
Taking advantage of the fact that Sophia University has all its departments on one campus, I also took classes in the Psychology and Education departments. I became friends with students I met through classes in other departments, and we continue to be friends with each other today. It’s appealing to me that Sophia University has strong-willed, yet relaxed students. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy my student life to the fullest by participating in Sophia’s events with friends with whom I can share my joys and concerns.
An Environment That Encourages Students to Hone Their Thinking and Communication Skills
Besides attending classes, I am involved in a club called the Peer Café. Students, faculty members, and university staff work together to create an environment for communicating with others, and I have planned and managed events, such as a welcome event for new students, and a talk event at the open campus information session for prospective students. I was delighted when a high school student who participated in one of my events enrolled at Sophia and told me, “I was inspired to study at Sophia University after listening to your talk at the event.” It made me feel very proud to have inspired a fellow student.
In the Peer Café activities, I was able to experience creating something new and improving on pre-existing projects while cooperating with members of different ages, faculties, and backgrounds. Through this experience, I have improved my ability to think for myself and express my opinions. Compared to how I was before joining the Peer Café, I am now clearer in my communications with my friends and cohorts when I want to do something or express my feelings.
As part of my studies, I was tasked with a challenging assignment to shoot a video interviewing international students for my English class. At the Sophia cafeteria, there are many opportunities to meet and speak with international students from all over the world. It took a lot of courage at first, but I often found myself actively talking to international students, interviewing them, and enjoying getting to know them. It was a very rewarding experience.
Sophia University offers numerous learning and experience opportunities, such as exchange programs, events and lectures hosted by domestic and international experts, and courses that provide internship opportunities. Its small size makes it easy to seize opportunities that can lead to achieving your dreams if you take advantage of them. Starting with Peer Café activities and a wide variety of classes, I honed many new skills, including thinking and communicating effectively, as I seized my opportunities and worked diligently.
A Career Path Formed Through Economics Classes and Model United Nations Meetings
I have been involved in “Model United Nations” for six years, from high school to university. I want to continue to question and work towards resolving global issues as if they were my own. I like to think about global issues from the perspective of my country and my own personal viewpoints, so that I can deepen my knowledge of the world through discussions and other activities while bringing my own experiences to the table.
I am particularly interested in issues related to Japan’s declining population and labor environment. For this reason, I am taking courses that look at labor economics with an emphasis on fields that can lead to solutions for social issues.
During my four years of study, I now understand the appeal of the theoretical aspects of economics, as well as its practical applications. In the future, I would like to be involved in activities that support the country’s growth from an economic standpoint.
※Please note that the content of this article is current as of May 2021