Susana Olivo Sandoval

My name is Susana Olivo Sandoval. I was born in a small town in Guanajuato, Mexico, but I moved to Georgia when I was in middle school. I graduated in the fall of 2024 with a double major. I began my college journey as a Spanish Modern Language major with a minor in Japanese. As the semesters passed, I realized I enjoyed learning Japanese and exploring different cultures, so I joined the East Asian Studies program focusing on Japan.

My interest in Japan began in middle school when my brother introduced me to video games and animation. After moving to the United States, I initially could not speak English, which gave me a lot of free time after school because teachers would not give me homework. During this time, I frequently engaged with media from Asia, which sparked my curiosity about languages and cultures. This experience motivated me to pursue language learning and eventually led me to choose a major that would allow me to explore these interests academically.

 Looking back at the program, the most impactful experience for me was studying abroad in Japan. During my semester there, I encountered both positive and challenging moments, but the experience as a whole helped me grow significantly as a person. Living in a different cultural environment allowed me to see the world from a new perspective and better understand myself. After returning to the US, I realized that getting out of my comfort zone and experiencing other cultures was essential for my personal and academic growth. This realization motivated me to pursue further international opportunities, including a research internship in Montreal, Canada, where I was able to use my knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Additionally, the support I received from my professors played an important role in shaping my experience and goals. As a first-generation college student, I often asked for their advice and they helped me navigate both academic and professional decisions. These experiences made my time in the program especially meaningful.

Currently, I am working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program in a town named Shimada in Shizuoka. I teach at one middle school and two elementary schools, working with students from multiple grade levels. Although I am an assistant, I am often in charge of planning and leading lessons, which has helped me increase my teaching skills and confidence in the classroom. Through my experience in Japan, I have realized that I would like to continue my education. My goal is to return to the US and pursue a master’s degree in a field related to language and culture. While I am still thinking about my long-term goals, I am considering pursuing a Ph.D in the future. Professionally, I hope to work with languages and engage with different cultures, through teaching.

I would recommend the East Asian Studies program to anyone interested in learning a new language and exploring different cultures. My advice is to enjoy your time in the program and choose classes that are interesting to you. The program offers many courses, as long as you are genuinely interested in what you are studying, your experiences will naturally become meaningful and unique over time. Since studying abroad is a requirement for the major, do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and experience a different part of the world. You may discover more about yourself in the process. I encourage students to think of the program as a treasure map, everyone’s journey is different, and it can lead to a unique and meaningful destination.