Rushan Ajizu

University Name: Waseda University
Course: Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation

• Where are you currently based, what program have you enrolled in, and at which university? Tell us more about your study program and the university.

– In the fall of 2021, I began pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Waseda University, in their School of Social Science. I am currently enrolled under the English-based “TAISI” program, or Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (a bit of a mouthful, I suppose). Waseda is a highly-ranked research and humanities-based university in Tokyo, with a number of notable alumni, including 9 of Japan’s prime ministers, and over 30 departments to pick from. The university has always emphasised on developing students for the greater benefit in their field, so my choice was easy.

TAISI is a 4-year degree program, divided into four speciality fields. These are
– Peace Building and International Cooperation
– Community and Social Development
– Social Organization and Working
– Economic and Environmental Sustainability.

TAISI classes provide field work opportunities and related research into our chosen subjects. In my classes, I have been developing sample workshops, conducting field interviews and surveys, and getting in touch with international organisations, which have helped expand my network. Some practicum classes are held both on-campus and on-site, which means that for half a semester, students can go overseas and work on a particular project with their class. Professors also often extend invitations to related seminars, workshops, or conferences where we can get in touch with professionals in the field.

• What are some of your most memorable moments from your time at UIA?

– I always felt highly involved in the preparation of different events, such as Autumn Fair, Annual Day, Sports Day, and house activities. Some of my fondest memories are of helping the teachers and staff with decorations, posters, and the general event set-up. For instance, I remember creating a large poster for our Fire Phoenix house, which was then hung-up in the multi-purpose hall with the other three. I really enjoyed the class performances on Annual Day, all our last minute practices, when we sang for the senior home nearby, and setting up halloween-themed decor for Autumn Fair. Plus, smaller classes meant we had interpersonal connections with our teachers, which not only created an engaged classroom-environment, but also led to us having all sorts of inside-jokes with
teachers and entertaining dialogues during lunches and free-periods. Out of all this, the most memorable moment will be the day we moved to our new building in 2018, after years of waiting for the upgrade. I remember the fresh, new classrooms, going up and down the halls to take videos to show our parents and taking “Day 1” pictures with our homeroom teachers. Over time, up until our graduation, I remember watching the building expand as new floors opened up and we grew as a school in both numbers and progress.

• What type of sports or non-academic activities were you involved with at UIA?

– I was the captain of Fire Phoenix during the time the house system was in place, which not only was a fantastic title to hold but also really strengthened my leadership and communication skills. My responsibilities as captain included leading the Sport’s Day teams, assisting my house through the use of the house point system, and overseeing my house in different events in an effort to win the House Cup.

For our enterprise coursework, our class also held a flea market at school displaying various stalls, such as lemonade stands, hot chocolate stands, caricature art, palm-reading, and so on. Although this part of a larger academic objective, the preparation and development of the flea market was highly involved and we were given the opportunity to explore practical approaches to what we had been learning in class.

• When was the last time you were back on campus? Would you like to conduct a class for our Grade 11 & 12 students to share your victories, advise,and information that will help students with their university application process?

– I have visited UIA to pick my sister up from school a few times and I visited on her graduation day as well. Still, I would love to see the teachers and staff again if the chance presents itself and I would absolutely love to come share my experiences with the current students. When I was in my last two years at the school, this experience would have truly helped me and I would be more than happy to do so for them now.

• Given your experience, what sort of advice would you give to current UIA students?

– Although it seems like a trivial piece of advice, I genuinely emphasize the vitality of building your CV and university application as soon as you can. There is always something more you can do and add to it, no matter what level of the application process, school, or university life you are in. Start getting into activities outside of or through the school. This can be volunteering, or finding a high-school friendly internship opportunity, or participating in school-related club activities, such as MUN. Participate in seminars, academic functions, and competitions. Make connections through the adults you know, such as your parents, teachers, peers, and upper-classmen. Try getting in touch with current students at universities you are interested in. If you are planning on staying in Japan, begin working on your language proficiency. Get certified as soon as you can in as many things as you can – take the SATs, take the JLPT exams, TOEFL, and whatnot. When you have the time, becoming fluent in using online software, such as Microsoft Excel or basic programming languages, for higher preference when you apply for internships or jobs. Instead of just following an orthodox process of applying and waiting, create opportunities for yourself. Trust me, there will come a day where you look at your extensive application or resume, and be grateful for it.