Class of 2013 Student Profiles

Maki Nakata , 2013, Japan

Why I chose Fletcher: Do you prefer to be with someone like you or do you prefer to be with someone different from you? My answer to both questions is yes, and this is why I chose Fletcher. I love to expand my intellectual curiosity, and I always aim for new challenges. I am passionate about understanding and resolving issues that people encounter every day in social, economic, and cultural contexts. I care about making positive changes in the world. At Fletcher, it is never difficult to find similar interests. At the same time, differences in students’ background and opinions are one of the most significant sources of my learning experiences. In short, Fletcher is a microcosm of the world where you can have similar values as other people but stay unique and special at the same time.

How I first learned about Fletcher: I first learned about Fletcher from my fiancé. Coming to Fletcher was his long time aspiration, and I joined him when he flew to Fletcher for an interview. The day of his interview was on a MIB Visit Day, so I attended it, and I really liked it. A comment from one of the representatives at the event really stuck with me. She described the Fletcher community as being an extended family. Graduate school is not just about the academics but it is also about how you struggle to shape your life in the future with your family, friends, any other supporters, and the world around you. At Fletcher, I never felt disconnect between learning at school and living everyday life. Every decision and any thoughts in the classroom directly link to my life beyond the classroom, which will shape my life now and in the future.