Today we shine our Student Spotlight on Sara Takasugi, who comes from Japan! Sara is currently studying towards an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to a university after completing her studies here.
Sara is glad the small class sizes at Alexander College allows her to talk to her instructors and fellow classmates more easily. In fact, she met one of her closest friends in Canada in class last year!
The variety of Student Support Services has also helped Sara on her academic journey. She often visits the Writing and Learning Centre (WLC) for essay help and she knows she can visit Career Advising for help with refining her resume.
In addition, staff at Alexander College can speak multiple languages so Sara can ask questions in her native language if she needs help with course registration or Academic Advising.
Aside from academics, Sara also finds time to be active on campus and enjoy life as an international student. As the president of the Japanese Club, she takes the opportunity to introduce the Japanese language and culture to the other students.
Having students from many different countries studying at Alexander College means the Japanese Club also has the chance to collaborate with other cultural clubs, such as the Philippines Club.
One of Sara’s favourite memories of Canada is going to the Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver. At the market, Sara was able to try maple toffee —a traditional Canadian treat— for the first time and experience ice skating.
Sara’s advice for new students is to not be afraid to try new things.
“You can develop your skills,” Sara says. “You can meet a lot of friends and lots of people from different countries. I think it should be fun and also a valuable experience for you!”
If you’re a current student at AC, we would love to hear our story! Contact us at social@alexandercollege.ca and you may have a chance to be featured in a future blog and video.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
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