Janelly Guardado, the first recipient of the Nelson Ranch Scholarship enrolled at ICU this September.
We interviewed Janelly about her new life at the ICU.

Photo: Naoki Beppu

JICUF: When and what made you interested in Japan?
Jannelly: I became interested in Japan because Japanese was the only Asian language taught at my high school. At the time, I was really into Asian culture, and I thought it would be interesting to take Japanese as a foreign language. Once I began to study the language, I became intrigued by all the things my high school Japanese teacher would tell our class about Japan. 

JICUF: What were you most worried about before enrolling in ICU?
Jannelly: While I applied for the scholarship and waited for the results, I had many conflicting thoughts. I was torn between wanting to seize this rare opportunity to study in my dream country, Japan, on a full scholarship and the fact that studying in Japan would mean being separated from my beloved parents and younger siblings. However, I prayed a lot to God, “Please give me the most suitable path. Whatever the outcome, I will accept it as the path you want for me.” So when I received the scholarship notification, I was so happy, and I gut-posed in excitement, knowing that studying at ICU is God’s will.

Although I love Japan, I have never been to the country, so naturally, I felt anxious as my departure date drew nearer. I was most worried about how I would adjust since my Japanese is not the greatest. I also worried about what the classes would be like. However, coming here I saw that adjusting takes time and that as long as I try hard to learn Japanese I will be okay. The classes have a good learning environment, and the teachers are very helpful.

With friends from Keyaki dormitory (theme is “Yankee”)

JICUF: The first semester is soon coming to an end. What surprised you about living and studying at ICU?
Jannelly: I concentrate on classes in the morning, and in the afternoon, I study independently or join the tennis club and other circle activities, so I’m very busy every day. On weekends, I go to karaoke with friends and sing until I lose my voice, enjoying life in Japan. Now that the semester is ending, what surprised me the most is how rigorous the Japanese language classes are. They are very effective at helping learn the language because there is always work to do, and the teachers are very helpful with any questions. Living in the dorm has been fun as the dorm often has activities. Although it is a bit far from Tokyo, the campus is very nice and has a lot of scenery. 

JICUF: What do you want to do before you graduate?
Jannelly: I definitely want to travel inside Japan and make as many good memories as possible, both at the university and in Japan.

JICUF: What advice would you give to the next student of Nelson Ranch Scholars?
Jannelly: There are many things in Japan, and it is easy to get American products, but not everything is available here. I recommend bringing plenty of things you will miss, like the American foods you always eat. In my case, it’s instant coffee called Nescafe Classico. There is Nescafe for Japan, but the Classico that I drank in Rhode Island is hard to get. Next time I return home, I’m thinking of packing them as much as possible into my suitcase.