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 002: September 2006
Mitsuko Ikeda
(Soka University of America)
My name is Mitsuko Ikeda, and I graduated from Soka University of America
(SUA), last May 2006.
My father lives in the Philippines for more than eight years now because
of his business. My mother, brother, and I joined him in 2002 after I graduated
from Kansai Soka High School.
I lived here for about four months before entering SUA, and this time,
I came back here for summer vacation.
What is SUA?
SUA's Founders Hall
SUA opened five years ago in Aliso Viejo, California. It is dedicated to
foster students to be global citizens committed to live a contributive
life. Each class has 100 students, making up the whole student body of
less than 400 students. All students from different countries are required
to live in the student dormitories, where they have opportunities to share
their experiences and cooperate with one another maintaining a harmonious
student relationship. We have also numerous student clubs and organizations
for the students to develop their leadership skills.
The university's academic environment is coordinated in the way that students
can concentrate on their studies. Class sizes are small in order for the
students to be able to discuss matters freely among themselves and their
professors. Professors encourage the students to visit their offices in
case the students need advices from them. Because of such environment,
we call SUA "our home."
I entered SUA as a member of the second class. Although, I was passionate
to pave a new path in the university, it was not an easy task; rather it
was a struggle for me, encountering differences among the students. Because
as soon as the university opened, we faced many differences in opinions
with regard to the university's mission, and to which direction we needed
to choose to accomplish the mission. We also struggled among ourselves
coming from different cultural backgrounds. It was difficult. However,
we were all serious about creating a history for SUA.
My Best Memory at SUA
Studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
(at a Mexican restaurant)
My best memory at SUA was in my freshman year. We had our second Student
Festival, which was significant for the students. Two months before the
festival, some students and professors left the university for some reason.
When this incident happened, we did not know what to do. Students began
criticizing the professors and the administration, for they were the one's
responsible for creating a better university and could not do this.
However, during the preparations for the student festival, we realized
that the students are the center of the university. Regardless of the environment,
the students must take full responsibility in creating a better university.
Through continuous discussions, we came up with the theme for the festival,
"My Decision, My Action, Our SUA." Many students took initiative
to make the festival a great success and by doing so, we created a strong
bond of friendship among ourselves.
The festival was also significant to me because I was the leader of the
Festival Song Committee along with some of my friends. Despite the limited
time as well as our individual struggles, we were able to complete the
"song" just few days before the festival.
I was truly encouraged to hear the message sent by the university's founder,
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda for the festival which read in part, "I understand that you have composed a song to commemorate this Student
Festival. I would like to conclude my message be expressing my heartfelt
wish that I may someday hear that song sang by you in person."
This experience became the strong foundation for my four years at SUA.
Our founder once shared his expectations for us to develop our character
and sharpen the intellect.
At the Commencement Ceremony
With my parents
After the festival, my determination was 100% strong and to be successful in every endeavor I would do, especially in my studies and SGI activities. I was very fortunate to have many friends who always have supported me and inspired me through their own examples.
I think that the "Founders Award" that the university conferred
upon me at the Commencement Ceremony was the result of my whole four years
of dedication to the university with "No Regrets" and "Greatest
Friends" as my personal motto. I was deeply honored to hear from friends
the cheers of "I knew it!", "You deserved it!" during
my conferment.
My determination
Now I am facing a new departure. I am planning to study at the University
of Denver for M.A. in International Human Rights Studies. I have always
been determined to work for childrenfs rights since I saw children working
at the age of 11.
My aspiration is to work for NGOs and International organizations whose
mission is to protect and promote children's rights. Through my studies
at the graduate school, I would prepare myself for my future career. I
know it is a long way to go. However, I am really excited to repay my debt
of gratitude for those who have supported me and helped me realize the
ideals and principles of our University's founder, SGI President Daisaku
Ikeda.
