November 1, 2023
Thinking back on my experience at Ohio University, the thing that sticks out to me the most is my time getting to know the Chubu University students while working as a Special Programs Assistant through the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) from 2017-2019.
When I started my college career, I immediately knew that I wanted to take Japanese since I had an interest in it. Through these classes, I was introduced to the students from Chubu University. Every now and then during our classes, they would join us for Japanese conversation classes. At first, I was slightly nervous to speak with them, but being able to communicate and be understood in a different language was a tremendous feeling – one that I think many of the Chubu students knew well. I went on to befriend many of the students and even participated in performances with them at the Sakura Festival.
Because of my early experiences with the Chubu students, I knew that I wanted to offer more help while they were at Ohio University. I had applied for a position as a Special Programs Assistant at OPIE, and Dr. Krzic and Jounghee Krzic offered me the chance to work with the students. Another assistant (shout out to Melanie and Kayla) and I helped the students navigate life at Ohio University. We did numerous things from creating presentations for weekly meetings, going on American experience trips with the students, and helping them with whatever came up.
Each semester I got to meet a whole new group of students. At first, it was quite difficult to remember everybody’s name – especially when there were close to thirty students I had to know. But each semester I grew closer to the students, and I’m happy that I was able to provide the help I did. I hope I made their time at Ohio University more enjoyable – they certainly did for me. From Athens all the way to New York, I had great experiences with the students throughout the years and got to build many friendships with them.
I first went to Japan alone to work an internship in Mie Prefecture. It was overwhelming at times being there alone, but there were Chubu students who returned the favor and helped me. During my first few days in Japan, I didn’t have a place to stay, but one of the students I worked with offered to house me and introduced me to his family. On the weekends, I often found myself wanting to explore Japan but not knowing what to do or where to go. Students I met at Ohio University were jumping the gun to take me all over Japan. One group of students took me to a festival in Kasugai near Chubu University, another group took me to Kinkakuji in Kyoto, another group took me to Nagoya Castle, and another group took me to Ise Jingu. I had some wonderful times with everyone in Japan.
My experiences with the Chubu students hold a special place in my memories, and without the collaboration between Ohio University and Chubu University, none of that would have been possible. The relationship between Ohio University and Chubu University truly is a special one, and it has brought so many together over the years. Here is to another 50 years of opportunities, connections, and friendships!