山口裕美氏　スピーチ

Oshima san, Fujishima san, thank you. Listening to speeches, I could not help crying thinking about Dr.Soga. I went to WMU as English major in 85. I was a member of St. Margaret’s first official 5 exchange students. Soga Sensei welcomed all 5 of us. While I was there for 3 years, he always helped us bunch of ignorant ladies. One of us got married and lives in Kazoo. WMU provided me with great education. If I am expressing myself properly, that is from WMU education. On reading and analyzing the book of ‘The Doll’s House’ by Ipsen, I first quoted somebodyelse’s critic, but the professor said that I had to come back again with my own opinions. After doing this 4,5 times, she made many questions and made me realize how deeply I had to read. Women’s independence was the key word for it. It took me so much time to say what I think in my own words and from the bottom of my heart. This is the foundation of my life. Dr.Soga always helped me to keep me realize who I am. When I had to go back to Japan, I cried as I did not want to go back. I went to Dr.& Mrs.Soga, and Dr.Soga smiled and said that I should go back but keep my identity. Their encouragement helped me pick myself up and go on. Thank you.