My name is Linda, and I am an Iraqi-Japanese student at John Cabot University. I spent most of my life in Japan, where I spent several years working as an English-Japanese interpreter for various companies. I began working right after I graduated from high school instead of going to University for financial reasons. I began as a secretary, was promoted to a translator a few years later, and ultimately became a professional interpreter.
I worked for prestigious companies such as Morgan Stanley, Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser. Working for these companies taught me not only translating skills, but also business manners, cross-cultural communication skills between Japanese and international colleagues, and team work. However, I always desired to continue my education. For most of my adult life I knew only life as an interpreter, but it wasn't enough for me. I wanted to explore, expand and extend the limit of my world. I wanted to educate myself.
Since I had never been to university, I didn't even know how to begin looking for schools. In internet search resulted in a website with a list of several universities in Rome, and with some extra help from a friend I finally found John Cabot University. I emailed them immediately and they were very helpful responding to me, even though I lived thousands of miles away from Rome.
With an encouragement from JCU staff, I applied for it and got accepted, which has completely changed my whole life. Suddenly, my life has changed from an interpreter to a University student at the age of 31. Every experience was new and fresh to me. I didn't know what the semester meant. I didn't know the meaning of bachelor degree. I learned everything related to the American university system at John Cabot.
There was time that I almost gave up my dream of attending university in my 20s, but John Cabot welcomed and accepted me regardless of my age. One of my favorite professors, Professor Arnone, suggested that I pursue a degree in Communications, because it suits my character well. I took his advice, and I am really enjoying my coursework. My classes range from public speaking to oil painting class, allowing students to learn many ways to communicate in the 21st century. My painting class has been one of my favorites. I never expected to learn painting at my age, but it has been a wonderful experience.
My professional experience as a translator and interpreter led me to believe that written and spoken language is the only tool for communication, but JCU has taught me that there are so many ways to express oneself. Now, after two and half years in Rome, I am more confident and happy about myself. My professional and academic experiences have shaped the person I am today, and I am grateful to John Cabot University for the many doors it has opened for me.
Linda Kuniyama
Communications Major
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Class of 2016
