ICU graduate Joshua Nelson (June, ’13) is currently living and attending graduate school in Princeton, New Jersey. We spoke to him recently about his experiences growing up, what first led him to ICU, and his post-graduate life here in the U.S.

JICUF: Hi, Joshua! Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for “A New Leaf”. Could you start by telling us a bit about your background? Where were you born and raised, for example?

Joshua: My father is from California and my mother is from Shikoku. Most people assume I lived in the States for a long time but the fact is I was born in Okayama and raised in Nara, the old capital of Japan. I started attending an International school from grade 1 of Elementary
school. I ended up attending that school until my graduation, except for a year and half during High School that I spent in Florida.

JICUF: That’s quite interesting. How did it feel to be growing up in a bicultural and bilingual environment?

Joshua: I never thought much about my bicultural and bilingual background growing up, but the more I find myself in places where this bicultural and bilingual environment is not normal, I realize that I am in a unique environment. I still feel I have a long ways to go to be a true
bicultural and bilingual person, but I am grateful to my parents for this opportunity to have grown up in this environment. I never really had any difficulty navigating between the two cultures and two languages, and I have always learned to use this unique background for
my advantage. When I meet people who have this similar background, I feel I have a special connection with them. Therefore, I felt at home during my years at ICU surrounded by people who I could share this background with.

JICUF: When did you first hear about ICU? Did you plan on studying in Japan for all four of your undergraduate years?

Joshua: I heard about ICU from my mother, who spent two years at ICU a number of years
ago. My Japanese teacher from my International school was an ICU alumnus as well. Once I was admitted into ICU, I planned to study there for all four years.

JICUF: What was your academic major at ICU, and what types of activities did you get involved in while you were there?

Joshua: My major was Religion and Philosophy and my minor was Anthropology. I lived in Canada House, one of the men’s dormitories. Many of my good friends and university memories were made there at Canada House. I was also an active part of the Christian fellowship group at ICU called Worship Night. These two communities played a large part in my university life.

JICUF: Were there any classes or professors in particular that made a big impression on you?

Joshua: I enjoyed many of my classes and also I was close to many of my professors, so this question is a very difficult one for me to answer. Here are a few professors that have really taught me not just in the classroom but outside of the classroom as well, Prof. Ro, Prof.
Alberg, Prof. Malarney, and Prof. Whitelaw.

JICUF: What have you been doing since you graduated from ICU?

Joshua: I am currently a second year student at Princeton Theological Seminary. I plan to graduate next year with a Master of Divinity.

JICUF: How do you like living and studying in the greater New York/New Jersey metropolitan area? How is it similar to or different than Tokyo?

Joshua: I have enjoyed living in Princeton, New Jersey. I like how New York City and Philadelphia are only about one hour away from Princeton. Princeton is much different from Tokyo, but I would say Mitaka shares some similarities with Princeton. Both cities are more like suburbs and many commuters live in the area. Also because both places are not
in the center of the big city of New York, one can enjoy nature and the various seasons. I still prefer Tokyo over New York, though.

JICUF: What is your level of activity with other ICU alumni in the area?

Joshua: I was surprised at how many ICU alumni are here in the area. There were already a few alumni I knew who I had met during my years at ICU that lived in the area, and I would meet up with them as much as I could. I also met other alumni who I met for the first time through various events, and a few were studying at Rutgers so they visited Princeton a
few times. Also, a few of my ICU friends have visited the New York area from Japan during these two years. As an active member of the NY/NJ ICU alumni chapter, I look forward to meeting more ICU alumni who live in the area as well as those who are just visiting.

JICUF: What are your plans beyond graduate school, if you have decided on them?

Joshua: I actually still do not know what I plan to do after I graduate. I am yet again in a transitional period where I have to discern my next step during this year. I am interested in pursuing further studies or finding a job overseas. However, I do plan to settle down in Japan in the future.

JICUF: Is there any advice you would give, as a recent graduate of ICU, to those who are still studying there?

Joshua: Being part of a community is one of the most important aspects for ICU students. Treasure these communities and make lasting friendships in them as well. The friends I made during my time at ICU and the communities that I have belonged to have continued even after I have graduated. Also, I would recommend visiting the Religious Center on campus and learning more about the “C” in ICU.

JICUF: Cheers and THANK YOU again for sharing your story with us! See you in September.