Arisa Iizuka '08, Japan/Singapore.
Arisa graduated from UWCSEA in Singapore, and is pictured with her mom and dad. She graduates from St. Olaf is 2008 with double majors in psychology and Asian Studies with a concentration in Japanese studies.
How did you find out about St. Olaf and why did you choose to attend?
I was looking at UK and US universities, and in the end decided that the US system was more flexible. I also looked at other private and public universities in Minnesota (MN), but in the end chose St. Olaf because of its friendly environment and people. MN was a place that my parents felt comfortable with as childhood friends lived in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
What sort of activities have you been involved with at St. Olaf?
I have formed various dance groups with friends, and am currently in the Sole Steppers, a step dance group. I am also involved with Asian Cultures Association and International Students Organization, as a member and in leadership roles. For the last four years, I’ve helped ISO organize the annual International Night as a cook, performer, and reception manager. As a senior, I currently serve as President of the Asian Studies Honor House, an academic themed honor house, organizing and leading events in support of the Asian Studies department at St. Olaf.
What is your major(s)? What are your plans after graduation?
I’m majoring in psychology and Asian Studies with a concentration (similar to a minor) in Japanese studies. I hope to attend graduate school in child psychology or work with kids at a pre-school level.
What have you liked about your St. Olaf education?
My dad had mentioned that if I had gone to a large university, I might just be 1 of 10,000’s students. It has not been like that at St. Olaf as I have really appreciated the personal contact I have had with my professors during their office hours and outside of classes. St. Olaf has a lot of academic support and I have really appreciated the tutoring I received for some of my classes. (Because there is an emphasis on writing across disciplines), I feel confident when I write papers now. I also appreciate the opportunity to improve my Japanese language skills, and find out about my weak points. The variety of classes, especially in Asian Studies, has allowed me to learn more about other (Asian) cultures.
Is there anything you think we can improve upon?
St. Olaf has not been as diverse as the UWCSEA campus (United World College of South East Asia in Singapore) that I went to, but the students here are very involved. St. Olaf has allowed me to be more involved and active.
What difference have you noticed between your school and St. Olaf?
As my education at UWCSEA was mostly from teachers educated under the British system., the transition was initially hard as I had to get use to different terminology (“term” vs. “semester” even). Also, I was homesick at first, but as I got involved in different student organizations committed to diversity, I felt much better (about being at St. Olaf).
(Arisa was asked about similarities between the UWCSEA emphasis “upon service, cultural and political sensitivity and all round achievement in both the academic and activity areas” and St. Olaf’s mission to provide “an education committed to the liberal arts, rooted in the Christian Gospel, and incorporating a global perspective.” St. Olaf has no religious requirement, but students are required to take two religion courses as part of the liberal arts education.)
She responded, “St. Olaf has an emphasis on church, which my school doesn’t nor are there religious courses (she added, “although we did learn about different world religions in history and other courses”) so it might not be a good match for some students. However, St. Olaf’s emphasis on community service (more than 80% of St. Olaf students are involved in service) and global citizenship matches UWC (mission). St. Olaf allowed me to break out of myself, and I’m not as quiet as I once was, and more active. I was encouraged to join (and try) new things and be involved.”
Finally, why should any student consider St. Olaf?
Because I’m here.
Masayuki Iizuka, father of Arisa Iizuka ’08:
- What advice would you give to families considering St. Olaf for their daughter or son?
- How has St. Olaf been for your daughter or son (how has it helped them)?
Mr. Iizuka, a Waseda University graduate and Japanese business, has lived and worked in Singapore for nearly 20 years. He provided the following reflections as it relates to his daughter, Arisa, who will graduate in May 2008.
In some ways, the Iizuka family may not be your “typical” Japanese family, partly because of their life outside of Japan, and their decision to educate Arisa outside of the Japanese system, which prepares students mostly for the university entrance rather than the process of education. Before moving to Singapore and attending UWCSEA, Arisa went to an international school in Japan. Whenever he could, Mr. Izuka took Arisa to school everyday, using the time on the train or bus to read English books or talk in English with his daughter, much to the surprise of other Japanese around them!
“We are very proud of Arisa and her study performance at St Olaf. She spent 6 years in Japan and has grown up in the family where her parents are not really fluent in English. I can talk about (business), but I cannot laugh when I watch movie(s). So my English level is not that high.”
In 2003, the family visited 4 campuses in Minnesota, 3 private and one public college or university. In the end, St. Olaf’s environment and location (small town but near big city), “well organized and friendly staff, nice and neat residence, (and a) very personal interview (with an Admission Counselor)” convinced them this is where they would like Arisa to attend. Mr. Iizuka sensed St. Olaf would provide the close relationships that might help his daughter succeed in university, and he has not been disappointed.
That caring community manifested itself on the first day they dropped Arisa at St. Olaf for International Student Orientation when one of International Student Counselors (peer advisors who help new students make the transition to St. Olaf and college life) approached her after her parents had left. His kindness and concern helped Arisa make the transition over those first difficult months of familial separation and cultural and academic changes.
The Iizuka family appreciates the flexibility and openness of the U.S. education system, since Arisa was undecided about her studies but had strong interests in child psychology. The ability to change her majors, different from the British curriculum they had considered, and perhaps craft her future as she gains new experiences gave them comfort as she started her studies.
At St. Olaf, Arisa has found her studies to be challenging. She is expected to read a lot of books in her classes, but also has received help to not only be a better student but smarter one as well in her readings and homework. She has learned that her determination and interests can help her achieve her educational goals. Her parents have also seen her growth as a person, commenting that “We are sure that St Olaf's environment made her grown up and changed her in (a) good sense.” They find a person who is more active and self-motivated, one who is involved in on and off-campus activities, and has developed her own voice. Mr. Iizuka mentioned that one should not live one’s life with regret either for things done or not done. “We think that Arisa's decision to select St Olaf was correct as we cannot repeat our life.”
