Home away from home: Kokoro and Phoebe

By Sofia Santiago

The Global Liberal Arts Program at Rikkyo University in Tokyo requires all students to study abroad their sophomore year at a university of their choice. Two students in the program, Kokoro “Koko” Iwanabe and Phoebe Watanabe, chose Rider as their home this year. 

Although both are business majors, they selected Rider independently out of over 30 other universities. Iwanabe said she picked Rider because of its proximity to New York City. 

“I always wanted to go to the U.S. I feel like New York has a big presence in business and in the world, so I wanted to know why,” she said. 

Similarly, New York City played a part in Watanabe’s decision. She explained that she did not want to live in the city, but still wanted to be able to visit easily. 

As an avid fan of musicals, Watanabe has seen multiple shows on Broadway and has Idina Menzel’s autograph. Once she heard that Rider has a strong business program as well as a strong performing arts program, she knew it was the right fit for her.

“I love musicals, singing, dancing… anything to do with theater. I’ve done musical activities since I was young, but I had to consider my career so I chose to major in business in my home university. But when I came here I was thinking I could also do music, which I don’t get the chance to do at home.” Watanabe shared. 

After choosing Rider, Iwanabe and Watanabe became roommates by coincidence. Originally, they were going to live in whichever hall they liked best and have a random roommate, but after taking into account how difficult it could be handling a new environment, Iwanabe decided to reach out to Watanabe and ask to room together.

“Before we found out that we were both going [here] we hadn’t really talked that much.” Watanabe said. 

Now, the two are good friends. “I think the reason why we became such good roommates is that our expectations were low. … It was very awkward at first, even on the plane here, but recently we have gotten so close we can read each other’s minds.” Iwanabe added.

The two have shared many unforgettable moments together such as celebrating Iwanabe’s birthday, going pumpkin picking, shopping at the Quaker Bridge mall and going to different events on campus. In the future, they look forward to participating further in various American traditions, like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

“I didn’t know Koko was such a great chef.” Watanabe revealed. One of their favorite activities is cooking or baking together in the teaching kitchen at Daly’s and in their dorm’s lounge kitchenette. 

Iwanabe explained that even the small moments are memorable.

 “We never decided this as a rule, but somehow we just started to brush our teeth together. I would always ask her, ‘Have you brushed your teeth already?’ And she would say, ‘No I’ll go now!’ So even when we don’t have time to see each other during the day, if we have midterms or anything, we always have some time to talk,” Iwanabe said. “I don’t know why, but it’s kind of like my time to relax.”

Iwanabe shared how her experience at Rider has also taught her more about who she is as a person and what she wants for her future. 

Iwanabe said, “Before, I wanted to be a university professor of business or economics or an entrepreneur in Japan. I’ve changed my mind about my future plans because coming to study abroad, I’ve gained more confidence. I now know I can live independently, and that I can take responsibility.”

Iwanabe’s experience at Rider also made her begin to see some injustices in her own society regarding gender discrimination. 

“In Japan, women usually have to give up their career when they get married. For a long time I felt like I had to pass up opportunities because of this, and I now regret not doing more. I don’t want other girls to feel this way. So I hope to, in the future, change something about this,” Iwanabe said.

Watanabe also shared how her love for performing has been reignited, as she has been singing and dancing since she was a little girl. She had to quit when she graduated junior high school, but she started again once she arrived in Lawrenceville. 

Watanbe said, “I really like all of the performing arts facilities around campus. Especially the practice rooms in Kroner hall. I look forward to going there after a long day.”

Watanabe has also learned more about herself during her time here. 

She commented, “I think when speaking in English I become more extroverted and expressive. Because of this I meet so many people and make new relationships more easily. But I also learned how important it is for me to have some time to myself.” 

Even though she misses her family, and her birthday falls during the school year, Watanabe does not plan to fly home over the break. “When you turn 20 in Japan, you have a very big celebration with your family.” 

However, after multiple complications with their flight on the way here, Watanabe is wary of experiencing that again any time soon.

Watanabe recounted their journey, saying, “The first flight we booked was canceled. The plane we got on had a leak somewhere, and we weren’t reimbursed for the ticket. Then, we had to stay in the airport overnight to book another flight, this time with a layover. During our layover, the second flight was delayed. When we got to New York, they had sent Koko’s bags to a different terminal. We got to Rider at 4 a.m.”

Iwanabe shared that taking the train between the terminals at 1 a.m. was one of her first experiences in the U.S. “Even though I was worried, I think it made me feel like I can handle anything.”

Iwanabe will be returning to Japan over winter break to celebrate her 20th birthday with her parents and attend a high school reunion where she will give a speech, as she was the student council president. 

When asked if she would include some of what she has done and learned here at Rider, Iwanabe replied, “I will never forget my time here. I really want to make lasting relationships, so that when we leave we won’t be forgotten.” 

Watanabe echoed this sentiment, “I also want to share Japanese culture here too. I think because there are so many events and people we talk to it can be easier.”

While reminiscing on the bonds and relationships they have made so far with people here and the self discovery that both of them have experienced, they realized that, had it not been for the obligatory foreign exchange program, they would have not been compelled to spend time together and probably never have been friends.

Iwanabe remarked, “We kind of had a bias that we wouldn’t be able to get along. Now we are besties.”

This article is part of the Home Away From Home series by The Rider News to highlight international students from Rider’s Office of International Education