Why did you choose Waterloo?
I did my undergrad degree in mathematics at the University of British Columbia and really enjoyed my mathematics and statistics classes. I had the chance to study abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where I not only immersed myself in a new country, but I also enjoyed the mathematics and statistics classes I took there.
I realized that while I enjoyed math, I was especially interested in its practical applications, which got me into statistics. I chose Waterloo for statistics because it’s a great program, and it gave me the flexibility to take courses I was particularly interested in, including those I may have not been able to take elsewhere.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up and make myself come coffee, and I may to the gym right away. If I didn’t work out in the morning, I’d do that in the evening; right now, I’m mostly doing weight training, but I am incorporating some cardio and other exercises. I also like to watch YouTube videos and look at other online content, as well as socialize with others. I also focus on my program, as I take 3 courses and TA 5-10 hours a week. This is not a thesis-based program; in some ways, it feels as if I’m doing an extra year of undergrad, as it’s a course-based program with a research paper.
What do you do for fun?
I really enjoy travelling! I was born in Japan and still have family there, so I visit there sometimes. When I studied abroad in Australia, I travelled with my parents there, doing many interesting things such as visiting Uluru and snorkelling along the Great Barrier Reef. I’ve travelled to many interesting places such as Hong Kong, Fiji and Nepal, and even though I’ve never been to Europe, I want to go there.
Do you have any advice for incoming graduate students?
Housing can be difficult to get, so make sure to prioritize that as soon as you decided where you may be going for graduate school. Also, work to meet other people. While you’ll be meeting mostly other graduate students from your program, you can also meet upper year undergraduates in your classes, and you may meet people through other means, such as through your housemates.