by Joanna Marie Ang
Through the generosity of Friends of UTokyo, in conjunction with the University of Tokyo’s GLP-GEFIL program, I was given the opportunity to spend six weeks of my summer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where I took classes in Urban Policy & Planning and Social Psychology. From the world-renowned academic rigor to the beautiful campus set against the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, it was a joy to be a UCLA student, even if just for six weeks. There was no shortage of activities for students on and off campus. Coming away from the program, I can sincerely attest that it has been a truly foundational experience, inspiring me to continue pursuing various academic interests and instilling in me a desire to explore different cultures.
During the six weeks, I was housed at Olympic Hall, known for accommodating Olympic athletes in 1984 and set to do so again at the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics. As one of the best public universities in the United States, the rich history and cultural significance of UCLA, along with its vast resources, were not lost on me. I made the most of my time on campus, spending my afternoons exploring with peers, touring on-campus museums like The Fowler Museum and The Hammer Museum, browsing the extensive catalog at the Powell Library, and taking leisurely strolls through the botanical gardens. I even appreciated the 20-minute walk from my dormitory to the classroom each day, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the diverse, vibrant community and meet new people from all walks of life.
The classes I took in Urban Policy and Planning, in particular, were eye-opening and informed my future academic pursuits. I was initially drawn to the discipline of urban policy because my interests primarily lie in environmental law and policy—a field fundamentally intertwined with urban environments. The city of LA, specifically, served as the perfect case study for investigating how historical urban policies impact not only the environment but also how environmental justice is distributed among different communities. This stands in stark contrast to the urban landscape of Tokyo, making it fascinating to compare and contrast the two cities. For my final project, I created a policy proposal aimed at addressing unequal access to clean air resulting from previous urban renewal policies, utilizing emerging smart technologies. To prepare for this assignment, I sought to understand the LA landscape more deeply by visiting areas particularly relevant to my proposal, allowing me to engage with the city on a profound level.
The other class I took, Social Psychology, was vastly different from my usual coursework at the University of Tokyo. I found the discipline immensely fascinating and seized the opportunity to engage with a topic I had previously never explored. This not only nourished my intellectual curiosity but also provided me with a new psychological perspective to apply to my interests in policy and law.
Beyond the classroom, I had numerous opportunities to explore California and other parts of the United States. Most notably, I visited Yosemite National Park in Northern California, where I spent a couple of days hiking up mountains and granite cliffs, surrounded by towering sequoia trees and cascading waterfalls. Having lived in the concrete jungle of Tokyo for much of my life, this was one of the first times I truly experienced such breathtaking natural wonders. This excursion further solidified my desire to work in environmental protection. Additionally, I explored San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas, each city possessing its own distinct charm, for which I felt very grateful to have experienced firsthand.
Los Angeles itself was a dynamic melting pot of cultures. Even in the short time I was there, I learned so much about the world and the diverse people who inhabit it. This experience has truly inspired me to continue exploring and meeting new individuals, so I can keep learning more about the world.
In just six weeks, I felt I was able to grow not only as a student but also as a person. This transformative experience will serve as a foundation for many of my future endeavors. None of this would have been possible without the generous grant provided by Friends of UTokyo Inc., to whom I owe my heartfelt gratitude for all that I learned and experienced this past summer. Thank you for your support and generosity!
