Ashley Wilson

Ashley Wilson participated in the 2024 CLS Japanese Program hosted by Okayama University in Okayama, Japan. Ashley is pursuing her MBA in global policy with a concentration in trade and commerce beginning this fall, following her recent graduation with a BA double majoring in economics and international affairs from the University of Maine. Her career goal is to become a data analyst, conducting research on topics like overcrowding in Japan and providing insight on affordable housing options .

Why Japanese? 

I wanted to study Japanese because I already consumed Japanese media as a kid through music and art. During COVID, I felt like I needed to find direction and pursue learning a new language. Considering the connection I already felt to Japanese I began my language journey.  

A Favorite Idiom  

猿も木から落ちる (さるもきからおちる, Sarumo kikara ochiru) which translates to, “Even monkeys fall out of trees.” This Japanese expression is often used to comfort a friend or family member after a slip-up. It is closest in meaning to the English saying, “Everyone makes mistakes.” I think it's super useful to remember when studying a language because it's okay to struggle sometimes even if you're a long-time learner! 

Career Goals 

My educational goal is to complete my MBA studying global policy. Through this opportunity I hope to keep an international focus that further aligns with my goal to incorporate Japanese into my future career. I would like to become a data analyst for a company that works internationally with Japan. My concentration for my MBA is trade and commerce, so being able to be a part of the U.S.-Japanese relations would extremely be fulfilling to me. I am confident that this career path would allow me to maintain my relationships in Japan and allow for usage of the language in my daily life.   

CLS’s Impact 

CLS impacted my academic trajectory because before the program I was satisfied with the idea that Japanese and Japan may not be a part of my professional life, and that it can remain an interest to me in my personal life. After experiencing the program and fully immersing myself into the Japanese life and culture, and meeting so many driven American students, I found that I didn't want to settle and being able to pursue a professional goal as I wish to is an extreme privilege and joy in my life.