Toshikazu Tanaka, ’06, Japan.
Toshi graduated from St. Olaf in 2006 with a double major in Physics and Asian Studies, focusing on Korea. He currently lives in Yokohama and works for Ericsson as a mobile phone network engineer.
How did you learn about St. Olaf and why did you choose to study here?
I wanted to go to the U.S. after high school to study but did not have much information. So among a number of colleges, I picked the ones with the thickest college catalogues because it meant there were more subjects to choose from. I think I made a good choice though.
What was it like to study science at a liberal arts college? Was there any concerns when you applied for the job you have?
I liked the fact that liberal arts schools have small size classes. It was especially helpful in a lab environment. I took many Physics labs and I could ask my profesors questions at any time.
I was a little concerned about my skills because my work area has nothing to do with Physics...they (Ericsson) didn't even look at my major!! So I don't think they had any concerns about my skills or knowledge.
What were you involved in at St. Olaf?
I was involved in the International Student Organization, and I was also one of the International Student Counselors during my senior year. Being a Counselor was a lot of fun; I wouldn't have met that many international students if I was not one. There is an orientation for new international students during Week 0, zero, (before the start of the Week One orientation) and I really enjoyed meeting the new students and organizing events for them. I hung out with them all the time throughout the year.
I also participated in International Night, St.Olaf's annual international festival, as the food manager and was in charge of coordinating the students who cooked international dishes after the show.
What do you miss most about St. Olaf?
I really miss eating dinner with my friends in the awesome cafeteria. We always stayed chatting until we were kicked out. (Take a virtual tour of the cafeteria here.)
What advice would you give to international students and American Third Culture Kids considering St. Olaf? Why should they choose St. Olaf?
St.Olaf has a nice, cozy environment. People are nice and supportive. It is a great place to do anything: playing sports, singing in a choir, studying. etc. There are a lot of things that you can get involved in. I don't know much about other colleges but it seems like people at St. Olaf study really hard; playing sports all the time (athletic facility is great by the way); and participating in many extracurricular activities. I'm not sure if any other schools can offer this many things all at the same time and with such a great atmosphere.
