Hey everyone!
I’m currently in the middle of one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) journeys of my life thus far, applying to my dream university in Japan! This process has been a mix of excitement, stress, and a whole lot of self-reflection, but I know that every step I take brings me closer to my goal.
Why Japan?
As someone who’s passionate about nutrition, public health, and social systems, I find Japan’s health policies incredibly inspiring. From their emphasis on shokuiku (food education) to their regulations on processed foods, Japan has built a system that encourages lifelong healthy habits.
That’s exactly why I chose to focus my research on food accessibility and nutrition among university students. Many students struggle with maintaining a balanced diet due to financial limitations and time constraints, and I want to explore how Japan’s policies help, or don’t help, young adults make healthier choices and the implications of financial constraints on student’s decisions.
Roller Coaster of Emotions
Applying to a Japanese university isn’t just about filling out forms and submitting transcripts. There’s a whole research proposal to craft, a statement of purpose to refine, and an endless amount of self-doubt to push through. Every sentence I write makes me think deeply about what I truly want to achieve and how I can contribute to my field. I’m in pursuit of my ikigai.
One of the biggest challenges has been structuring my research proposal in a way that’s both academically strong and personally meaningful. It’s not just about what I want to study, it’s about why it matters and how I plan to gather data in a meaningful way.
But despite the stress, I feel incredibly grateful for this journey. Even if the process is difficult, it’s pushing me to grow in ways I never expected.
What’s Next?
If all goes well, I’ll find out if I’ve been accepted in just a few months! 🤞 Until then, I’m focusing on refining my application, staying consistent with my Japanese practice, and reminding myself that no matter the outcome, I’ve already learned so much.
Whether I get accepted or not, this process has solidified my passion for studying the intersection of health, nutrition, and policy. I know that this is the path I want to take, and I’m ready to keep pushing forward.
So, here’s to chasing dreams, embracing uncertainty, and taking big leaps toward the future! ｡ﾟ🪐｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆
もし合格できますように！(I hope I pass!)
