Haruka Ogawa

• • Undergraduate Student
  • Major: Political Science
  • Home Town: Saitama, Japan

Haruka is a volunteer Peer Mentor in the iSucceed Mentorship Program for international students. She is also involved in the Career Development Club, serving as the Event Coordinator.

What is your dream job?

My future goal is to become an academic counselor for international students in community colleges, and volunteering as an iSucceed peer mentor helps me to obtain essential experience. 

What types of activities are you involved in at SJSU or in your community?

I participated in the Virtual International Program last semester and I liked it because I had a chance to share my culture and learn about American cultures and perspectives through my partner. It was very reflective and I learned so much! 

What is something you want others to know about your hometown, home country, or culture?

I went to Shibuya Sky last year to see the sunset and it was absolutely amazing! Highly recommended place if you are making a plan to visit Tokyo! 

What do you enjoy most about SJSU?

I enjoy the environment of SJSU and it is very diverse! I like getting involved in school and student community at SJSU because it is so diverse and it allowed me to learn about many different cultures and engage students who have different backgrounds!  

Where is your favorite spot on campus and why?

Grassy area on campus! 

What do you wish you had known sooner about life in the U.S. or being a student at SJSU?

Where I can ask for help and get involved in the local community and students. I am so happy that SJSU has a well-organized system to support international students because my community college did not have one. I decided to join the Career Development Club to get involved with the student community and VIP program that I mentioned previously. It would be better if I knew these support systems and clubs earlier.    

What message do you have for our Global Spartan community?

I would say being active, not being passive! People will support you to achieve your goals once you show your activeness! I do understand that it might be scary to break out of your comfort zone, but you made it to come to SJSU from your country to study, so I believe you can do beyond that 🙂 

Stay safe and connected, my international friends!