THE INFORMER PAGE 3

DECEMBER 19, 1990

Chance to Study in Japan "An Opportunity of a Lifetime" for Cap Students

Three female students waited tensely in the South Cafeteria.
They expected to soon gain the “opportunity of a lifetime” or
else have their hopes dashed with a quick “Sorry, someone else
has been selected.”

Manjit Pawa, Kara Cunningham and Pamela Wotherspoon
need not have worried. That early December morning their
dreams came true—they were awarded scholarships to study at
Cap’s sister college in Japan, Aichi Gakusen.

“We were sitting there stewing, having nervous
breakdowns,” Kara said. “When someone came in and told us
we were chosen, my first thought was, ‘my mother will flip.’”

Earlier that morning Kara, Manjit and Pamela had been
interviewed by Robert Turner, Dean of Student and Instructional
Services. It was the culmination of a “very long and formal
process” toward winning the scholarships, Manjit, 18,
explained.

The interviews went well and Turner confirmed the decision
of the scholarship committee. The three students would travel to
Toyota City next fall for six months of study.

Twenty-year-old Pamela, a second-year science student,
said she is looking forward to learning Japanese. She also sees
the trip as a means to immerse herself in another culture. “It will
give me a chance to see who I am, when you take away all the
security of life in Vancouver.”

Kara, 19, a first-year academic student, is leaning toward a
career in international relations, and she’s particularly interested
in Asiatic studies. The scholarship will give her a first-hand look
at Canada’s evolving relationship with Japan, she said. “It is the
opportunity of a lifetime.”

Manjit, in first-year academics with a concentration on
literature, wants to share ideas with people of the Japanese
culture. “People may dress differently or eat different food, but

besides those things, we’re really similar as individuals.”

The sister colleges, however, are not as similar as their
students, said Yukiko Oda. Yukiko had been attending Aichi
Gakusen when she won a scholarship to come to Capilano
College in 1989. She then went back to the Japanese college and
graduated last spring, and has now returned to Cap to become
more fluent in English.

Aichi Gakusen, having only 300 students, is much smaller
than Capilano College and admits only females. “At Capilano
College students have more choices of subjects,” Yukiko said.
“The students have more freedom.”

Manjit, Kara, and Pamela won’t mind having a little less
freedom as students in Japan. For them, the freedom to explore a
new culture will more than make up for it.

The Aichi Scholarships, each worth approximately $20,000,
provide travel expenses and tuition in programs geared
specifically for each student.

The Informer is produced by the Capilano
College Public Relations department. Its intent is to
provide news and features of interest to the College
community.

Your submissions are welcome and encouraged.
Material may be edited for brevity and clarity.

Forward all correspondence to Public Relations,
Attention: The Informer Editor, Capilano College,
2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H5
Telephone 986-1911, local 2002.

JANUARY 16 ISSUE DEADLINE: JANUARY 9

Paul Avery
(Psychology) receives
a gift from Capilano
College Board
Chairman Nancy
Farley at the
Employee Recognition
reception Nov. 22.

A draw for a poinsettia,
won by Steve
Gallagher (Computer
Support Services),
raised more than $60
for the North
Vancouver Christmas
Bureau.