Alumni of AISG: Ardeshir Takaki

The Beacon will now be featuring a new segment, ALUMNI OF AISG!

Our first featured alumnus is Ardeshir Takaki, who graduated in 2016. Below he recounts the many things he has learned these past two years through his journey from Canada to Taiwan, and from Israel to Japan. 

August to December 2016: Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia, Canada)

After graduating from AISG, I studied Management at Dalhousie University for one semester. However, after completing the fall semester, I decided that the university wasn’t a very good fit for me for a myriad of reasons and I decided not to return. Regardless, I am very grateful for my experience at Dalhousie and I am glad I was able to make the decision that I did because I have been able to learn a lot about myself in the time since. I believe it is very important to take the time to set goals for yourself, to thoroughly reflect on these goals, and then, to make decisions that align with them.

January to February 2017: Guangzhou, China

I returned back home to Guangzhou for two months to spend time with my family and to figure out what I wanted in my immediate future, as well as the next few years. After reflection and consultation, I decided to move to Taipei for a few months to improve my Mandarin.

March to June 2017: Fu Jen Catholic University (Taipei, Taiwan)

I took a 3 month Mandarin course at Fu Jen Catholic University during my time in Taiwan. During this time period, I lived in an apartment alone which enabled me to learn about the responsibilities of being an adult.

August to December 2017: Baha’i World Center (Haifa, Israel)

I grew up in a religious household and have always felt a strong connection to God. Many young Baha’is choose to serve at the Baha’i World Center in Haifa. I served as a gardener at the grounds surrounding the Shrine of the Báb (one of the manifestations of God for our religion). I am very thankful to have been blessed with this opportunity, as it allowed me to grow both closer to God and as an individual through my service.

January to March 2018 Kujyu Ski Resort (Oita, Japan)

After spending a few weeks back home in Guangzhou with my family, I moved to my hometown in Kurume, Fukuoka with my older brother. We spent a week with my grandparents in Kurume and then moved to Kokonoe, Oita to work at a ski resort. Working at a ski resort for two months speaking mostly in Japanese allowed me to drastically improve my fluency and develop my skills in customer service.

April 2018 to now

I am currently applying to begin university this September in Japan, as well as doing part time work in a movie rental store. Although I have delayed my university studies by a year and a half, I am very thankful for the lessons I have learned during my travels. I look forward to returning to university having grown as a person through my travels and am grateful to all the people I have met along the way that have helped me do so.

Collaboration between the AISG Alumni Team: Sara Quattrocchi Febles, Leoul Woldemariam, Jimmy Park, and Ms. Barga.