[No. 17] Makiko Takahashi

If someone were to ask me, "If you could go back to any time in your life, when would it be?" I think I would immediately answer, "My university days," both now and surely in the future. That period of being so dedicated to my studies, having fun, and being so young and full of energy is probably unique to one's time at university.

Unlike other faculties, students in the Faculty of Science and Technology spend two years at the Hiyoshi Campus before commuting to the Yagami Campus, breathlessly "crossing the valley" from Hiyoshi. We had frequent reports to write and would study frantically before exams. I remember often gathering in the library to work hard on reports and study for tests. It might sound like I was a very disciplined student, but at the time, tennis clubs were all the rage. I was a typical female university student with a healthy tan, the trendy "savage" hairstyle, bright blue mascara, and vibrant pink lipstick. In short, I suppose I had a good balance.

I had loved arithmetic since elementary school, and when it came time to decide my path in high school, I chose a science track simply because I liked it. When I actually enrolled, having been educated at an all-girls' school until then, I was surprised by the sheer number of students (especially male students). However, once I started attending, I found there were surprisingly many female students (my friends and I prided ourselves on being a rather attractive group (laughs)), and because the women were particularly diligent about attending classes, we formed exceptionally strong bonds. I still have many friends from that time with whom I get together often. We all have different jobs, but we are close enough to talk about anything, perhaps even more so than with our husbands (!?). The conversation never ends, whether it's about work, raising children, or anything else.

In my fourth year, I joined a laboratory. I studied under Professor Takeshi Kawase on the theme of "values." The science track might conjure up strong images of wearing a white coat and conducting experiments all night, but the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, where I studied, focuses on "how to make things efficiently." I think it's a field that has strong elements of the humanities as well, making it enjoyable for women to study. Going to a training camp at Professor Kawase's villa, playing tennis and softball, and—oh, of course—the classes, discussions, and presentations are all wonderful, fulfilling memories.

After graduation, I joined TV Asahi and work as an announcer. I saw a notice for a TV station announcer exam on the job board of the Faculty of Science and Technology and learned that students from our faculty could also apply. When I looked closely, the application deadline was the next day! I remember hastily attaching a snapshot to my resume and sending it by express mail. Being an announcer from the Faculty of Science and Technology is often seen as unusual, but our work is a race against the clock. Sometimes, when I can instantly keep time or make a concise, witty comment in a brief moment, I wonder if the skills I cultivated during my student days are coming to life. I gave birth to my second son last July and am currently on childcare leave, but looking back, I truly feel that university is the time when you have the most time for yourself and make irreplaceable friends.

I had the honor of narrating the faculty introduction video for this website. The departments have increased to keep up with the times, and I hope that many more students will take an interest in the ever-expanding Faculty of Science and Technology.