Q: What are your plans after graduation?
HV: I will be working as an Assistant Language Teacher of English with the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program. My departure date for Tokyo is actually my birthday! I intend to improve my Japanese skills on the job and then turn to translation and fiction writing.
Q: How will your experience studying EAS benefit your future endeavors?
HV: I will be working as an Assistant Language Teacher of English with the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program. My departure date for Tokyo is actually my birthday! I intend to improve my Japanese skills on the job and then turn to translation and fiction writing.
Q: What recommendations would you give undergraduate students studying East Asian Studies?
HV: I wish I had known so many things from day one, so I’ll list them in rapid succession: Study abroad and travel as much as you can; if you’re learning a language, invest 1-3+ hours per day on it; open Stacy Sakane’s ‘upcoming events’ emails and go to those events; always have a random book checked out from Bobst and learn more without paying extra tuition; be decisive about what you want to study at NYU and don’t take many random, non-major/minor classes “for fun” (Even if many people might suggest this as a good idea: It is not, and it is not actually fun.). And if you’re learning Japanese, get Wanikani!
Q: Why did you choose EAS?
HV: I chose EAS because East Asia has produced and is producing much of the world’s best literature, yet Asian languages remain consistently under-translated into English. If you want to challenge eurocentrism, try immersing yourself in a liberal arts curriculum that isn’t oversaturated with dead white men.
Q: Looking back, what were some of your favorite EAS moments?
HV: I spent 10 months studying abroad during my time as an undergrad, and these experiences were by far my most rewarding. The EAS major is an amalgam of so many other majors (history, English, comp lit, sociology, art history, etc.). It’s therefore great for the liberals art student who wants to balance a multitude of disciplines.
Q: What was your favorite class and/or which faculty at NYU had the greatest impact in your studies?
HV: I’ve taken three classes with Professor Moss Roberts. He introduced me to modern Japanese literature, was a supportive faculty advisor, and helped me during my JET application process. Professors June Hee Kwon and Annmaria Shimabuku are two professors who shaped my worldview in ways that leave me enormously indebted. Thank you!