APU’s History and Alumni | APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. I come from a small community where going to university is more of a luxury than a right. However, thanks to generous scholarships and the goodness of others, I was able to attend APU. I can say with absolute certainty that it was my four years of studies there that best prepared me for my career with the UN, a dream I held since high school. Taking courses on current and emerging global issues taught by reputable professors as well as living with students from all over the world profoundly influenced my career and perspective. I now coordinate the overall implementation and monitoring of UNIPP projects and represent UNIPP in coordination, donor relations and cluster meetings in the UN system. APU is a community that encourages you to dream big and reminds you that it is within your reach.

My interest in social development in developing countries started when I was a student at APU. The courses challenged and inspired me to employ critical thinking in solving problems, and I was surrounded by highly motivated individuals. Additionally, I took part in volunteer activities in Thailand organized by ‘PRENGO’, APU’s largest student volunteer organization, which applies good practices from Oita Prefecture’s development program ‘One Village One Product Movement’ among others. Upon graduation, I spent two years in the Leyte province of the Philippines to implement a livelihood improvement project for farmers. Upon my return to Japan, I joined O.P.C. Corporation in order to gain more specialized knowledge in the field. This company provides consulting services for Japanese government institutions in Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) implementation projects. I am currently a Project Administrating Coordinator for a technical cooperation project in Nigeria. The job comes with many challenges, but I feel extremely fulfilled when the final results bring about positive changes for others.

After APU, I continued my studies, ultimately completing my Ph.D. in art history from Princeton University. I currently teach and research the history of visual arts in East Asia at Northwestern University and am finalizing a book manuscript on the religious architecture in this region predating the 9th century. I learned Japanese and Korean languages at APU, which have been a great asset as I often use them when conducting research. However, the ability to delve into and identify with different cultures is the most valuable skill I acquired at APU and has helped me to adapt to many situations. Whenever I think back on those years, I feel gratification and gratitude in equal measure. My encounters and experiences at APU led me to a number of important life decisions. I am thankful that I got to share that path with some of the most inspiring people I have ever met in my life.

APU helped me to understand what it truly means to be a global citizen. Daily interactions with students and instructors from all over the globe made me connect with the issues affecting our world on a personal level. Even after graduation, this network of friends has been a continual and invaluable source of support and encouragement. After APU, I pursued a Master of Law (Juris Doctor) degree at Monash University in Australia and a Master of Law in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law at the Geneva Academy in Switzerland. I am currently employed under the United Nations Volunteers program as a Human Rights Officer deployed in South Sudan to serve under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). My role is to monitor, investigate and report on violations of human rights and humanitarian law in the country. My message to you is to engage in your experience at APU with an open heart and an open mind as it can create infinite opportunities for your future.