Wakana’s story is one of curiosity, determination, and the courage to forge her own path. Her journey from a local Japanese school to Nagoya International School (NIS) and finally to Leiden University in the Netherlands exemplifies how brave choices and relentless determination can shape one’s future.
The Beginning: A Brave Leap into a New World
Wakana and her family made the decision to transition from a local Japanese school to NIS when she was entering high school. It was a whole new world for her as she faced the dual challenges of a language barrier and adapting to a new educational system. But she embraced the hurdles with a steely determination and her dedication to catching up with her peers was unwavering. She bravely challenged herself to add extracurricular activities like the TEDed group and Model United Nations (MUN). These became defining experiences, nurturing her passion for History and Political Science, and developing a dream of working for the United Nations. In her short time at NIS, she was inspired by her studies and the school’s emphasis on inquiry and global awareness. Her time in MUN allowed her to engage with complex global issues and sharpen the skills she would later rely on in university and beyond.
Choosing the Road Less Traveled: Leiden University
When it came time to select a university, Wakana’s decision to study in Europe was as unique as it was bold. Her curiosity about European education was sparked during a visit to NIS by representatives from Utrecht University. This encounter planted the seed that eventually led Wakana to consider European universities. A scholarship offer from Leiden University and its proximity to The Hague, the hub of International Law, solidified her choice.
Leiden’s three-year Political Science program aligned perfectly with Wakana’s aspirations. Its rigorous curriculum and the one-year Master’s degree option further appealed to her. But embarking on this path came with its challenges. Much like her early days at NIS, Wakana found herself navigating unfamiliar territory, surrounded by classmates who brought a European-centric perspective to their studies. Once again, she worked to bridge the gap, drawing on the resilience she had cultivated at NIS.
“Coming from Asia I learned a lot about Asian history but didn’t know much about modern European history. The professors were all talking about the birth of International Relations in regards to the Treaty of Westphalia and I was like…what is that? It was eye-opening and a bit daunting, realizing I had a lot of catching up to do from the beginning.”
Thriving Amid Challenges
Wakana’s perseverance paid off. By the end of her undergraduate studies, she achieved a remarkable milestone: being nominated as one of only 13 students in a class of over 600 for her outstanding thesis! Her research focused on the role of the Iranian women’s diaspora in the 2022 Women Life Freedom Movement, addressing a contentious political issue with depth and nuance. Looking back, she realizes just how far she has come in her studies and the initial goals she set for herself. She feels extremely proud to be nominated for such a prestigious award.
With a degree in International Relations, she is now pursuing a graduate degree in Cybersecurity, a field that complements her undergraduate studies in an ever-increasing interconnected world. Wakana’s ambitions have expanded beyond just the United Nations to include consulting roles in either the corporate or government sector. She has also begun gaining practical experience, working in market research to help Japanese companies explore opportunities in Europe, helping her gain professional skills and broadening her understanding of the interplay between technology, governance, and international relations.
Lessons from Leiden: A Message to NIS Students
Reflecting on her time at Leiden, Wakana praises the university’s rigorous programs in Political Science, Governance, and Law, as well as the safe and welcoming environment of the Netherlands. She encourages NIS students to consider European universities, citing the quality of education and the lack of additional English qualification requirements for IB graduates. In addition, Dutch universities can offer a quality education at a much lower cost compared to North America, even though foreign students pay considerably more than their Dutch classmates.
However, Wakana’s journey hasn’t been without its difficulties. As one of the few Asian students in her program, she initially felt like an outsider. Over time, this experience shaped her worldview and deepened her appreciation for diverse perspectives. It also underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability—qualities she first honed at NIS.
“I think I'm slowly adopting more of a European mindset, but it's still hard when you realize you're in the minority. I think it's more tough than you imagine but that's also what makes you stronger, right? It helps you see other worlds in new ways and you also benefit by meeting a lot of people who have very different backgrounds.”
Looking Ahead
Wakana’s long-term goals include working in Europe and leveraging her unique background and skills in cybersecurity to make a meaningful impact. Her journey—from a local Japanese school to NIS, and then to Leiden University—demonstrates how the road less traveled can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Wakana’s story embodies the mission of NIS: to inspire, inquire, include, and impact. From the nurturing environment of NIS, where she developed lifelong friendships and sparked passions under the guidance of her teachers and mentors, to her current endeavors in Europe, Wakana has consistently exemplified what it means to embrace challenges and grow through them. Her mentors, family, and peers have every reason to be proud, and the future looks bright as she continues to carve her path.
For NIS students considering their next steps, Wakana’s journey serves as a powerful reminder: sometimes, the road less traveled can lead to the most rewarding destinations.
