My name is Momoka, and I am excited to begin my journey as a Resident Assistant (RA) at U Share.
Before moving to U Share, I spent two years living in an international dormitory in Nakano. During that time, I met people from many different countries and backgrounds. At first, I thought that speaking English would be the most important way to connect with others. However, I soon realized that the strongest connections came from sharing our interests, values, dreams, and experiences. Some of my closest friendships were built not because we spoke the same language perfectly, but because we were curious about each other and enjoyed learning from one another.
One of the reasons my experience in the dormitory was so meaningful was the Resident Assistants. They organized seasonal events, welcomed new residents, and created opportunities for people to connect. Thanks to their efforts, I made many friends and felt supported throughout my time there. I still remember joining events, meeting people I would not have met otherwise, and feeling a sense of belonging. I am very grateful for those experiences, and becoming an RA myself has been something I admired for a long time.
Now, I am excited to give back by helping create a community where everyone feels welcome and included. U Share is a very special place because people from different cultures, countries, and life experiences live together under one roof. I believe that every resident has something unique to share, and I hope to create opportunities for those connections to happen naturally.
I am especially looking forward to organizing events throughout the year. In the summer, I would love to hold a Yukata Festival where residents can experience Japanese culture, enjoy fun activities together, and make new friends. I also hope to create events that encourage people to share their cultures, interests, and stories with one another.
At the same time, my goal is not only to organize events. Over the next year, I hope to help build a culture where people support each other’s dreams and challenges. Everyone comes to U Share with different goals, whether they are studying, working, traveling, or exploring a new chapter of their lives. I want U Share to be a place where residents feel comfortable sharing those goals and encouraging one another along the way.
For me, community is not simply about living in the same building. It is about creating relationships, learning from different perspectives, and helping each other grow. If residents leave U Share with meaningful friendships, unforgettable memories, and greater confidence to pursue their dreams, I will feel that we have created something truly special together.
I am looking forward to meeting everyone, learning from all of you, and making this year an exciting one for the U Share community.
Curious about the RA experience? Learn more on the Resident Assistant page.
