Exchange Student Program The Soka University is presently engaged in academic exchange agreement
with 96 universities in the world. In the Philippines, U.P . had entered
into this agreement with the Soka University in 1988, and De La Sale in
1996. Every year, two exchange students from each university are dispatched.
Aside from that, because this is the only English speaking country in
Asia, many Soka University students came here to study at their own expense.
Furthermore, short term language training program is launched in Kalayan
College where Dr. Abueva, a friend of President Ikeda, serves as principal.
File 001: August 2006
Taeko Fujita (U.P. Diliman)
Hi! My name is Taeko Fujita.
I came to the Philippines for the first time in 2003 to study at the University
of the Philippines in Diliman as an exchange student.
After graduating from Soka University in Japan, I have been studying a
Master’s Degree Program in Comparative Literature in the same university
since 2005.
My School Days in Soka University
near the Makiguchi Memorial Hall
with her teacher and younger sisters
at the graduation ceremony of Soka University
Among the innumerable things I learned and gained in Soka University, the
three most precious are: encounters with a wonderful teacher, many good
friends, and a great mentor in life.
First, I was able to meet an admirable teacher who dedicates his life to the happiness of his students.
He guided me with his continuous encouragement to the world of learning,
through which he taught me true sincerity in behavior.
He also showed me how to contribute to my alma mater by being the best
in one’s field through which one can prove one’s school’s value as well
as pave the way for the following juniors.
It was also he that helped me decide my path and encouraged me to enter
the graduate programs of U.P.
Up to now he still helps and encourages me greatly from Japan.
I admire him as a great person and educator. I am very fortunate and thankful to be his student.
Secondly, I was blessed with a lot of good friends in Soka University.
We shared not only the problems we faced, but also the joys and ideals
in life. Even though we are apart since our graduation, our friendship
has become a greater encouragement to each other.
Thirdly, I was able to establish a strong bond with Dr. Ikeda, the founder
of Soka University and my mentor in life.
I have learned to cherish him in my heart and whenever I face difficulties,
I just think of him and imagine what he will do if he were in the same
situation. And when I cannot push myself anymore to struggle with my studies,
he comes up in my heart, giving me fresh courage and motivating me to struggle
further.
Dr. Ikeda gives us valuable lessons in life at every single occasion, among which the most unforgettable to me is regarding the ultimate purpose of studying. Dr. Ikeda always tells us, “University exists for the sake of people who wished to enter but could not.”
He always reminds us of a debt of gratitude to the people as well as to
our parents who sent us to Soka University, and encourages us to study
hard to become a great leader in the future who will genuinely dedicate
one’s life to the benefit of the people.
I always cherish in my heart the motto of Soka University: “For what purpose
should one cultivate wisdom? May you always ask yourself this question!”
My Daily Life in U.P. Diliman
with her close friend
Although studying in U.P. is very tough, I am so fortunate to have many
admirable teachers and friends here. They are not only intelligent and
inspiring, but very sincere and serious in thinking about the future of
their country. I also found that they believe that what they are studying
can contribute to their country in some way or another, even if it may
not have an immediate effect. I also saw in their hearts the same spirit
as Dr. Ikeda’s that learning must be for the welfare of the people because
they owe much to them. I was so touched by this. I am very happy to see
such people here. I believe that encounters with them are my most precious
treasure.
I must express my deepest gratitude to my parents and to my teacher in Japan who have supported me emotionally and financially, as well as to my friends in U.P. who are helping me understand my classes despite their own busy schedules. Thanks to them, I can survive even the most challenging time here.
My determination
During my stay of over two years in the Philippines, I was able to gain
a lot of precious encounters and experiences. If it had not been for these
and for the great help and encouragement from many people both in Japan
and the Philippines, I would not be what I am today, much less be here
now. My great debt of gratitude to them gives me energy to move on. Move
on to where? Towards the ultimate goal and purpose of Dr. Ikeda, of all
SGI members, and mine: world peace and happiness of all human kinds.
Right now I still cannot run fast enough, but I can only take one slow step after another. However, I will make each step steady and significant. I will patiently carry such a valuable step as Goethe, a German writer, says: “It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.”
