Guided by wide-ranging curiosity, embracing new encounters and learning

――Why did you decide to study in the Faculty of Human Sciences at Sophia?

My interest began when I visited my father’s workplace in the Philippines on my own while I was in high school. At the time, my father was working away from home, and everyone at his workplace was female except for him. While women play active roles in the Philippines, Japan continues to face challenges including the low number of women in management positions and its poor ranking in the Gender Gap Index. I had already developed in interest in sociology through books by scholars such as Chizuko Ueno. Wanting to study and discuss issues facing women from an international perspective, I chose the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Human Sciences.

――How did you grow through your university experience?

I came from a special-needs high school with a small community, so I may have entered university with an especially strong desire to learn and explore. Over time, I became more confident sharing my views and taking on new challenges. A key turning point was a one-month language program in Montreal, Canada during my second year. Being exposed to people with different perspectives taught me how important it is to communicate clearly—what I want to do, what I can and can’t do, and what kind of support I need. It’s a skill I still rely on in my work.  

――Were there any classes that left a strong impression on you?

Although I majored in sociology, the track I followed me to take a wide range of media-related classes. Analyzing how different news outlets reported the same event helped me understand how perspective shapes interpretation—and how to express my own ideas in ways that resonate with others. In addition, my seminar in labor sociology also had a strong influence on me. It deepened my understanding of how society works and allowed me to develop my own views on work and how I want to approach it.

Valuing experiences that engage the senses－Toward a Society Where Everyone Can Thrive

――Why did you decide to join ANA?

I initially became interested in the media industry after taking many media-related classes, which sparked my belief that learning should be open and accessible to everyone.  My visit to the Philippines during high school, however, was an eye-opening experience for me. While the media helps us learn about the world, being there in person—seeing, feeling, and talking with locals—showed me the value of firsthand experience. I wanted to help create a society where people can explore the world for themselves, and I hoped to have that freedom as well. That is why I chose to apply to ANA.

――Could you describe your current role at ANA?

I am a member of the Service Innovation Team in ANA’s Digital Transformation Office, where I am involved in digital transformation initiatives. I design and operate digital services for both customers and employees, with the goal of improving loyalty by delivering information and services tailored to individual needs. Hearing comments such as “Our work is much smoother now” or “This really helped” through the systems I am responsible for is a major source of motivation for me. When I joined the company, the aviation industry faced great uncertainty due to COVID-19 pandemic, and I also needed to build my IT knowledge from the ground up. Even in those challenging circumstances, I focused on what I could do at each stage and kept moving forward, supported by the expectations and encouragement of those around me.

――Could you tell us about your future career plan?

I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to building a society where people can learn and experience things freely. In my work in digital transformation, the skills I developed in the Department of Sociology, such as looking at issues from different perspectives and conducting interviews and observations, have really shaped the way I work. I would like to continue my career by making full use of this background.

――What message would you like to share with current students?

I encourage you to make the most of what you can only experience as a student. The things you commit yourself to now will give you confidence when you face challenges later on. Take a moment to think about what you truly want to do. By pushing yourself to try new things, you may gain even more than you expect.

The importance of communicating your thoughts, which I learned while in Canada

These photos were taken during a language program in Canada. In Montreal, I visited the church l where Céline Dion was married, something I learned only by being there in person.  In Québec City, the steep streets and long stairways meant that I was constantly walking up and down hills. During this time, I relied on practical judgment and worked through different situations by talking with a local coordinator.

※Please note that the content of this article is correct as of October 2024