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 003: October 2006
Nobuyuki Ota (University of the Philippines, Diliman)
Hello, I'm Nobuyuki Ota.
I came to the Philippines last May 2006 and I am presently studying at University of the Philippines in Diliman as an exchange student from Soka University.
With the wholehearted encouragement and support from my family, friends
in Soka University, as well as members of SGI Philippines, and of course
Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, I managed to strive for personal victory over my daily
life despite many difficulties I encountered along the way.
My School Days in Soka University
with friends at Soka University
I entered Soka University in 2003 and I was honored to be endowed with a truly humanistic education. If I did not enter Soka University and chose a different path instead, I certainly would not be the person I am today.
Before I entered Soka University, I used to complain about my environment and my circumstances, and I often gave a wide berth to anyone who attempted to come near me. But then, I eventually realized that what I hated most was no body other than myself, which I wanted to change in the first place. Soon after my admission to Soka University, I sought the way to change myself. There was no easy way. However, I was able to meet many people who opened my eyes to life and reality. For me, one of my most significant events during my college days was to have met such friends and teachers, and learned a lot from their way of life.
Most importantly of all, I consider my encounter with Dr. Daisaku Ikeda,
a founder of Soka University, an indescribable fortune in my life. A few
months after my admission to Soka University, I started reading Dr. Ikeda's
speeches because of my friends' urging. True enough, reading them proved
to be a real treasure for me. And as I ventured deeper and read more of
his books, Dr. Daisaku's encouraging words reverberated in the depths of
my heart, and they empathically uplifted and pushed me forward. They never
fail to inspire me even now and every time I read them.
My Daily Life in the Philippines
with friends at the dormitory of U.P.
Four months have now passed since I arrived in the Philippines. Currently,
I take three literature courses in the UP, Diliman. Honestly speaking,
before coming over here, I had a prejudice towards the Philippines simply
because this is still a "developing country." I thought that
people's lifestyle in the Philippines would be inferior to that of Japan.
Although I didn't realize it at first, my belief was indeed a common mind-set
to which the people in Western countries are prone when they picture the
Philippines.
I realized my ignorance of Asian culture and history, and I understood
for the very first time why Dr. Ikeda always emphasizes the significance
of Asia as the bastion to establish an equitable society. If I didn't come
to the Philippines, I would never become aware of my shallow understanding
over Asia. Having these realizations in my mind, I surely will take the
class of Asian history or Asian literature on the next semester to deepen
my understanding.
With regard to my studies in UP, Diliman, I found it a real challenge for me. In the first session of my class, I was baffled with my poor English skill and became hesitant to attend classes for almost two weeks. Every morning, I was so afraid of going to my classes. I chanted daimoku, crying, but at the same time, encouraging myself. Though little by little, I was able to conquer my weakness with my strong resolve and also warm encouragement from my friends. Now, I enjoy my classes with many friends.
My Determination
at Soka University of America
during 3-week SUA Spring School
From now on, I will keep studying hard in the University of the Philippines
and become a better person who is full of vigor and strength. After finishing
my exchange program in the Philippines, I will go back to Japan and prepare
for an exam in a graduate school where I can learn about education because
I hope to become a teacher some day. Although I know that it is not easy
and needs tremendous efforts, I will strive even more and achieve my victory
as what Dr. Helen Keller states in her autobiography, "The Story of
My Life":
"For, after all, every one who wishes to gain true
knowledge must climb
the Hill Difficulty alone, and since there is no royal way to the summit,
I must zigzag it in my own way. I slip back many times, I fall, I stand still,
I run against the edge of hidden obstacles, I lose my temper and find it
again and keep it better, I trudge on, I gain a little, I feel encouraged,
I get more eager and climb higher and begin to see the widening horizon.
Every struggle is a victory."
