Graduate Spotlight: Avery Rhoads ‘18

Pictured above: Avery Rhoads '18 next to a statue of Nitobe Inazo, a central figure at Hokkaido University and the most prominent Japanese Quaker.

Who are you now and what are you doing that really grabs your attention? 

I am a third-year student at Hokkaido University in northern Japan. My program is quite broad, but recently I've been interested in human geography, and I'm also working on my business Japanese. Recently, I've been busy organizing a Friendsgiving event. For most of my friends, it will be their first, so I'm doing my best to make it a fun one. Usually, I don't feel a strong responsibility to teach American culture, as it's already so omnipresent in Japan and the world, but I feel Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving has a lot of value in bringing people together and celebrating autumn as we move into winter. 

What is a highlight of something that you have done since graduating?

I've enjoyed the events and opportunities related to the clubs I've joined since entering university. While it's been difficult integrating into them linguistically and culturally, and I haven't stuck with all of them, I don't regret any of my time. Last year, I joined the farming club, which manages a plot of land on campus for growing vegetables. Over the summer, I took part in an exchange with some farms outside of the city and got to experience how farms operate, and the process of planting to produce arriving at the grocery store. One was a potato farm, which naturally reminded me of Maine. 

What ways do you think FSP set you on the path you are on?  

My time at FSP encouraged me to seek out learning in alternative ways, and skills like critical thinking and creativity were emphasized, which only continued to become more important. I still hold on dearly to the curiosity and reflection that was instilled in me during my time there. Furthermore, my time at FSP encouraged me to take a genuine interest in various types of people, regardless of age, which has been especially helpful for being abroad.

Favorite Memory of FSP:

I will always look back fondly on the quieter hours of aftercare. After a busy day of classes and chatting with friends in between, it was important to have time to talk with someone that maybe I wouldn't usually get to talk to, experiment with a project, or just swing and enjoy the silence. On the topic of silence, I also miss having weekly Quaker meetings. From setting up and putting away benches, to occasionally having a candle to look into, to hearing teachers' and students' thoughts, they brought me peace and community. I've actually been researching the possibility of holding Quaker meetings at Hokkaido University. I hope that I can share with other people the value in coming together to take time for silence and reflection.