Vanessa Broadrup

    My name is Vanessa Broadrup and I am an International Relations and Japanese Studies double major. I transferred into William & Mary in the Fall 2023 semester having just completed a year of study in Osaka, Japan, through an exchange program at my former institution. Transferring here was one of the best decisions I have ever made because my studies at W&M have deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture and language. This year, I have been excited to see my work about Japanese food culture diplomacy published in The Monitor (W&M’s IR journal). I am also excited to complete my Japanese capstone about sisterhood in Japanese media. 

   Undoubtedly, studying Japanese, like any language, is not without challenges–but the reward of this effort (besides graduating with this major!) is an opportunity to connect with people on another level. It’s the ability to read Japanese texts and watch Japanese films and pick up on cultural references I otherwise would never have noticed, or to talk to shopkeepers in a Tokyo back alley and smile with pride upon hearing “日本語上手!” (even if your Japanese is still relatively intermediate). As I look to go into a career in foreign policy or in the broader IR field, I will carry with me the lessons I’ve learned from the people I have met here and in Japan because I believe cultural and human connections are vital to sustaining the U.S.-Japan diplomatic relationship. 

   I feel incredibly fortunate to have had classes with Professor Cronin (my Japanese Studies advisor), Professor Sasaki, Professor Shimoura, and Professor Kitamura during my two years here. Special thanks as well to our fantastic Japanese Language Fellow for this year, Moeno-san. (I’m happy I had the opportunity to help her with print materials for the Japanese department bulletin boards hanging up in Washington Hall through my work as a Community Consultant at the CCD.)