Dongyuan Ji '20
BA Linguistics
Minors in Japanese Studies, and Music and Technology
Magna Cum Laude 

 I decided to study at Stony Brook University because it offered all of the areas of study I was interested in. The fact that tuition was affordable and housing was available to students of all levels of academic achievement was also a really big factor.

High school was not where my love for music started, but it was definitely where I discovered a whole new perception of it, and it has followed me since. Outside of college, I am affiliated with an online music studio as an audio editor. I have also participated in countless online chorus competitions as a vocalist and audio engineer. 

My favorite class was AAS 385, Translation Studies of Asian Languages, taught by Professor Eriko Sato of the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies. Translation can be a tricky topic, but Professor Sato’s way of teaching made it come to life. I absolutely enjoyed every second of the class. 

Additionally, as you may have been able to tell, I am fascinated by languages. After learning English as a second language, I started to pick up Japanese, and have since gone a long way. During my sophomore year, I went to Okayama University in Japan through Stony Brook’s Study Abroad program. There, I studied the Japanese culture and society, while polishing up my language skills. It was an unforgettable year;  I grew both as a student and as an individual. 

My advice to potential Seawolves is to take the opportunity to study abroad, even if it is just a summer program. It is a great way to help you step outside your comfort zone and explore the unknown!

Starting in the fall of this year, I will be working for JET (Japanese Exchange & Teaching Program) as a Coordinator of International Relations. For me, coming this far is my greatest achievement and reward. Who knew that a mere hobby could turn into an intense interest and, later on, a career that I would love and enjoy? This would also be the time where I would decide on my next step in life. After coming back from the JET Program, I am planning to continue my studies in either Applied Linguistics or Intercultural Communication. 

Having to “graduate” in May 2020 during a global pandemic is definitely something else. Moving all the classes online and having to study at home really tested my time-management skills and self control. However, as the Chinese proverb says, it might be a “blessing in disguise.”