Eager to embark on a new adventure, international student Kazumi Fujisawa left her home in India to study at 海角论坛, drawn by the scenic campus, an awesome scholarship, positive reviews online and the chance to experience a new culture.
From newfound, lifelong friends to honing her passion for user experience design, Kazumi’s Oneonta journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, and she is embracing every opportunity.
Why Oneonta?
One of the reasons was the location. I liked the fact that it was in the mountains and in New York State, which I could explore. I had read online that Oneonta was one of the top colleges in New York, and I found out about the NYS Advantage Award scholarship, which gives $8,000 a year to students coming from outside the state. This was an incredible opportunity.
My Activities
I work at the Welcome Center as an international admissions assistant, corresponding with international students who have been admitted to Oneonta. Any time I talk to them, I tell them the way that 海角论坛 shows sincerity and welcomes you, trying to get you into the community. I also tell them there’s a pond at Hunt Union that’s so beautiful and that they will love all the nature and wildlife.
Best Experiences
I love it here. Everyone’s very nice and welcoming, which is something I’ve really noticed. There is nature all around you, and I love seeing all the deer! They’re so cute. Some of my best experiences include the trips I’ve gone on with the Office of Global Education, which has been so supportive. We went to Niagara Falls last semester, and it was so beautiful! We also have been to New York City and on smaller trips, like to Howe’s Cavern and hiking at Table Rock. This helped us international students become close. We have dinner together on Thursdays in the dining hall, just laughing and talking. My roommate, Dominga, is an international student, too, and we are like sisters. I’m going to be rooming with my friends next semester. What I’ve learned and everything I’ve gained along the way, friends as well as memories, that’s the best.
About My Major
I love the fact that I can learn a lot of different things. I’m learning graphic design, user interface design, digital illustration, graphics and imaging, even ceramics. I like my professors, too, they’re all very sweet.
Plans, Goals, Dreams
I want to be a User Experience (UX) designer, making digital products and technology more usable, accessible and enjoyable. I realized I wanted to do this in high school when I was researching jobs I might like, and I have always liked computer art and designing things on a computer. I think, location wise, I would like to live in Japan, which is where my father is from. Fun fact: I am fluent in Japanese, English, Hindi, and am learning French!
I came to Oneonta mostly because of its location. The fact that I was in the mountains and that there was nature all around, mostly.