Associate Provost of Student Success

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Education

- MA, International Education, George Washington University
- BA, International Studies, Washington University in St. Louis

• What is a small joy or hobby that always helps you recharge outside of work?

Going for walks! I especially love a walk in a park or in nature, but I find that any stroll around outside refreshes my brain.

• What is a movie, book, show, podcast, or activity you would recommend?

The movie Brooklyn – and the book it is based on – is all about having more than one home in the world. Since I’m from the US, but living in Japan, with family connections in India, this movie always makes me think and feel (especially if I’m on an airplane!).

• If you could magically pick up a new skill overnight, what would you choose?

I would be able to speak and understand any language without the help of Google Translate.

Director of Academic Advising Center

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Education

- MEd, College Student Affairs Administration, University of West Florida
- BA, English, Creative Writing, University of West Florida

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

I took a course called "Old English" and it felt more like a foreign language class than a typical English course. It was interesting to see the origin of written English language, how much has changed, and why some of our weird grammar exists!

• What’s the best study tip you ever received?

I didn't receive this tip, but I've found highlighting helps a lot when studying! I'll print out materials and highlight parts that I think are important. This was especially helpful for dense or difficult text. It made me ask "What is being said here? What are the actual key points?" and become more active in my reading.

• What song, playlist, or genre do you put on when you need to focus or unwind?

I like playing background music from movies, tv shows, or video games! Anything with singing typically distracts me, so background music is perfect.

Office Coordinator – City Campus

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• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

I really enjoyed my Japanese language courses.

• What’s a food you could eat every week without getting bored?

Daigakuimo in spring and summer. Yakiimo in fall and winter. Satsumaimo all year round!

• What is a book, show, podcast, or activity you would recommend?

With so many valuable opportunities to witness art and experience live music of all genres in both Tokyo and Kyoto, I recommend students to frequently check out galleries, museums, and concerts as an enriching activity.

Administrative Assistant – Hillside Center

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Education

- BA, International Affairs, Temple University

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

I loved all the classes I took at TUJ, but if I had to choose just one, it would definitely be Japanese Social Problems. The class really encourages you to think outside your comfort zone and start noticing all the little weird and funny details you come across while living and traveling in Japan. It also helps you understand the background behind various social issues, which makes it easier to see why certain things work the way they do in Japan.

• What’s one tool or app you rely on for staying organized?

I highly recommend putting everything in your calendar! That way, you'll never forget deadlines, events, or even small, seemingly unimportant tasks.

• What song, playlist, or genre do you put on when you need to focus or unwind?

I’m a big fan of J-Pop, especially older songs. I actually can focus while listening to anything most of the time, but older J-Pop songs have a calming effect on me and help me feel more relaxed./p>

Peer Mentor/New Student Coordinator & Academic Advisor

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Education

- BA, Ethnic Studies, Brown University

• What’s a food you could eat every week without getting bored?

Mikan (Japanese citrus fruit) — I can eat 4 or 5 of them every day.

• What’s the best study tip you ever received?

Use the Pomodoro method to organize and motivate your studying! You can set whatever time parameters that allow you to focus on the task at hand (ex. 25 mins studying / 5-mins break, 3 hours of studying / 45-minute break, etc.)

• What’s a place you’ve lived in or visited that shaped who you are — and how?

As a New Yorker born and raised, I would say that we might not always come off friendly on first impression, but we know how to stand up for each other, be honest but kind, and embrace curiosity and change.

Academic Advisor

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Education

- MEd, Higher Education Administration, Merrimack College
- BA, Business Management, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

• What is something students are often surprised to learn about you?

I’ve been to all 50 states in the United States of America!

• If you could teach a one-day workshop on anything, what would it be?

“Karaoke, the art of singing badly with confidence”

• If you could magically pick up a new skill overnight, what would you choose?

I would like to be magically able to talk to animals, so that when I accidentally step on my cat, as no matter where I walk he is always walking right in front of me, I can tell him I’m sorry and I love him.

Academic Advisor

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Education

- MS, College Student Personnel Services, Arkansas State University
- BS, Dental Hygiene, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

Art & Child Development

• What’s a small daily habit that keeps you grounded?

Don't make assumptions about other people - from strangers to those you know. Seriously, it helps!

• What is something students are often surprised to learn about you?

I have a twin sister who is 8 minutes older than me (supposedly). We are each other's best friend and we're fraternal but look identical like Mary-Kate & Ashley or Tia & Tamera! And NO we never switched places, ha. Also, I was a licensed dental hygienist after I was a transfer student at Wake Tech Community College and finished my baccalaureate at UNC-CH. After some time, I pursued a master's degree to be a high school librarian but changed my mind and went into higher education instead! With that in mind, I can understand when students change their majors and take a long time pursuing their career goals.

• What song, playlist, or genre do you put on when you need to focus or unwind?

Distant Worlds Albums from Final Fantasy! I love Japanese gaming soundtracks. But if I'm not in the mood then it rotates around to 80s and 90s Japanese City Pop or 80s and 90s RnB.

Associate Director of Academic Advising Center / Advising Lead / Academic Advisor

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Education

- MA, Multicultural Education / Communication, San Francisco State University
- BA, English Literature, Soka University

• What’s a small daily habit that keeps you grounded?

Bike commute to work. It helps me start up my system in the morning and decompress after a long day of work.

• What is something students are often surprised to learn about you?

I didn't graduate high school! I took some unconventional paths, and this experience taught me that any setbacks and detours can ultimately contribute to one’s growth.

• What’s a place you’ve lived in or visited that shaped who you are — and how?

I spent most of my 20s in San Francisco, in the Bay Area of the US. The region’s rich diversity in culture, values, and ways of living pretty much shaped who I am today.

Associate Advisor

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Education

- BS, International Business Studies, Temple University

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

STHM 2401 "Foundations of Event and Entertainment Management"

• What is a book, show, podcast, or activity you would recommend?

Moral Of The Story podcast by Stephanie Soo

• What song, playlist, or genre do you put on when you need to focus or unwind?

Any music from Laufey!

Associate Advisor

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Education

- BS, Business Administration, University of Maryland Global Campus

• What’s a food you could eat every week without getting bored?

I can eat Korean bibimbap every week without getting bored. I go to our local Korean restaurant in Sangenjaya twice a week and order the same bibimbap every time.

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

A class I loved in college was my junior-year English literature course. The professor was a Vietnam War veteran, and he always had fascinating stories to share with us. He allowed students to complete the course assignments either in groups or individually, and I formed a book club with my a club that continued for five years.

• What is something students are often surprised to learn about you?

I love going to concerts. Usually, K-pop, J-pop, heavy metal, and rock concerts are my go-to genres. My students are always shocked when they find out I’ve seen Stray Kids, Ateez, and King Gnu from the front row. I’ve gone to 31 concerts in the three years I’ve been in Japan.

Academic Advisor

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Education

- MA, Applied Linguistics, Teachers College, Columbia University
- BA, English Literature, McGill University

• What’s one tool or app you rely on for staying organized?

iPhone Reminders app. I typically have between 100-200 reminders queued up in the app that all are set to different times and frequencies. Before I started using this app, I used to go through a lot of Post-It notes!

• What is a small joy or hobby that always helps you recharge outside of work?

Making pour over coffee at home. I grind the coffee beans fresh each time and find the whole process very relaxing. It's also fun to order coffee beans from different roasters in Japan.

• What’s a place you’ve lived in or visited that shaped who you are — and how?

New York City. I went to grad school there, and it taught me how to navigate a large city and crowded areas. Having this experience has made my move to Tokyo feel less overwhelming.

Associate Academic Advisor

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Education

- BA, Translation, Lingnan University

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

"Smart Personal Finance" and "Science of Life" — both GenEd courses! As a translation student who was mostly focused on thesaurus, glossaries, and syntax, having the chance to explore different fields connected to everyday life was so much fun! That's why I love how GenEd courses open doors beyond your major.

• What song, playlist, or genre do you put on when you need to focus or unwind?

MUJI BGM — simple and calming for getting into my own world.

• What’s a fun tradition from your hometown, culture, or childhood that you love sharing with others?

Back in my hometown Hong Kong, it's a university tradition for students to gather for a big meal right before finals as a pre-exam celebration. Everyone wishes each other "Gwo Saam Baau Sei" (Pass 3, Exceed 4) — basically wishing you a great GPA! It's a bit of an excuse to get together, but honestly, taking a breather and doing something fun with buddies before exams really does help you perform better.

Associate Director of Academic Advising Center / Advising Lead / Academic Advisor

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Education

- MSEd, TESOL, Temple University
- BA, Travel and Tourism, Western Michigan University

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

International Marketing. As a marketing minor student I enjoyed many of the marketing classes at WMU.

• What’s a food you could eat every week without getting bored?

I could eat salmon sashimi every week. Actually, I could eat it as often as every day!

• What’s a small daily habit that keeps you grounded?

Short meditation sessions in the morning and before bed.

Academic Advisor

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Education

- MA, English Linguistics and Literature, Heinrich-Heine Universitaet Duesseldolf
- BA, English and American Literature and Language, Keio University

• If students asked you for one “travel recommendation” — anywhere in the world — where would you send them and why?

If I could recommend one travel experience, I would definitely suggest going camping. It’s not a specific destination, but the experience of being outdoors without all the usual conveniences is rather comforting. Doing everything yourself from building a fire to cooking your own meals is incredibly rewarding. It can be a lot of work, but those simple tasks are surprisingly fun and fulfilling. The quiet sound of the campfire and the smell of a warm cup of coffee is truly luxurious.

• What is a small joy or hobby that always helps you recharge outside of work?

It might sound unusual, but one of my favorite ways to recharge is cutting vegetables into thin slices.  This is a technique called sengiri in Japanese. It can be done completely mindless and I find it incredibly therapeutic. Plus, the end result is amazing.  Beautifully thin, uniform, and so satisfying.

• If you could magically pick up a new skill overnight, what would you choose?

If I could acquire a new skill overnight, I would love to be able to sing well across all genres. I really enjoy karaoke, but it can feel a bit awkward to sing in front of a large group. As karaoke is such a fun way to socialize, and singing itself is one of the best ways to learn a language, this is definitely the skill I would choose to acquire!
Another skill I’d love to acquire is learning how to play mahjong. It’s a great way to challenge your brain, and it also offers a great opportunity for socializing.

Associate Advisor

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Education

- BA, Asian Studies, Boston University

• What is a small joy or hobby that always helps you recharge outside of work?

Baking! I'm a big sweet tooth and love making sweet treats.

• What’s one tool or app you rely on for staying organized?

Google calendar — I use my google calendar for everything from to-do lists to planning my days off.

• What is a book, show, podcast, or activity you would recommend?

The Office, SNL

Associate Advisor

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Education

- BA, Critical Race & Ethnic Studies and Sociology, University of California Santa Cruz

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

Two classes I loved as a student were Women and the Law and The Afterlife of Slavery. 

• What is a book, show, podcast, or activity you would recommend?

A book that I would recommend is Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

• What song, playlist, or genre do you put on when you need to focus or unwind?

Whenever I need to focus, I play any jazz house music/lo-fi mix or playlist. But when it's time to unwind, I enjoy anything from neosoul, afrobeats, or amapiano.

Associate Advisor

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Education

- BA, Anthropology, Washington State University

• What’s a class you loved when you were a student?

I loved World History in high school - I enjoyed learning about new cultures, histories and cultures. That class inspired me to learn Hindi and to go on to do my Bachelors in Anthropology at Washington State University!

• What’s a food you could eat every week without getting bored?

CoCoIchiban Curry - best comfort food, especially in cold wintertime!

• If students asked you for one “travel recommendation” — anywhere in the world — where would you send them and why?

I would recommend visiting Amritsar, India - one of my favorite cities in the world! Visit the peaceful Golden Temple, enjoy the best Punjabi food in the world, partake in some awesome shopping, and wind up your visit with dancing and celebrating at the historical India/Pakistan Wagah Border closing ceremonies.