Spending almost 11 years in Japan has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. My time there was spread across three distinct periods. First, when I was just two years old until I was seven, attending elementary school. Then again, briefly from fifth to sixth grade. Finally, I returned as an adult to pursue my Ph.D. Each chapter of my life in Japan had its own unique set of memories and lessons. But what stands out the most is a somewhat unexpected realization: the moments I cherish the most didn’t come while I was a student, but after I had graduated.
You see, while I was studying, especially during my Ph.D., Japan was a place of focus, discipline, and—if I’m honest—quite a bit of stress. It’s not that I didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy myself; I certainly had breaks, holidays, and chances to explore the incredible culture around me. But there was always something holding me back from fully embracing the joys of life outside academia. Whether it was the pressure of deadlines, the looming weight of expectations, or the natural stress that comes with pursuing a higher degree, I found myself constantly thinking about the next step, the next challenge, or the next hurdle I needed to overcome.
Looking back, though, I can see that those challenges—the ones I sometimes wished to avoid—were the very experiences that shaped me, both professionally and personally. The stress I faced, the difficulties I encountered, and the moments of doubt weren’t just obstacles; they were opportunities for growth. It’s easy to see that now, but at the time, I just wanted to get through it all.
And this is something I often share with my students. The challenges we face during our studies—whether it’s the seemingly endless assignments, the difficult exams, or the weight of expectations—are exactly the experiences that prepare us for the world beyond academia. They teach us resilience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt. In a sense, these challenges are life’s way of preparing us for the future, even though they might seem overwhelming at the time.
I remember vividly how, once I completed my Ph.D. and the pressure lifted, I suddenly saw Japan in a different light. The same streets I had walked down hundreds of times felt new. The culture, which had always been a part of my life, became something I could now appreciate fully, without the constant noise of academic worries in the background. It was only then that I could truly relax and immerse myself in the country I had called home for so long.
But here’s the thing—if I hadn’t gone through all those years of hard work, stress, and determination, I don’t think I would have been able to appreciate the joy and freedom I felt after graduating. That’s the paradox of academic life: it is through facing the tough moments head-on that we gain the tools to thrive, not only in our careers but in many aspects of our lives.
So, to my students, and to anyone who might be feeling the weight of their own challenges right now, I offer this: embrace the struggle. It might not feel like it, but those difficult times are laying the groundwork for your future success. And one day, when the pressures ease, and the deadlines fade, you’ll look back and realize that it was all worth it. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself enjoying a well-deserved holiday in a place like Japan, with a deeper appreciation for the journey you’ve been on.
In the end, it’s not just the destination that matters but the person you become along the way.
