2022 Scholarship Student at the University of Tokyo – Darey Ann Louisville
2022/5/20
2022 Scholarship Student at the University of Tokyo – Darey Ann Louisville
Looking back on my journey so far, I can’t help but liken it to that of the butterfly. Of course we’re all well acquainted with the metamorphosis aspect, but the part of the butterfly’s journey I particularly resonate with, is its emergence from its chrysalis.
When a butterfly breaks out of its chrysalis, the process is an intense struggle. So much so that some feel the urge to help them. This help, however, may eliminate the butterfly’s ability to ever fly. You see, getting through this grueling escape on its own is crucial for the butterfly, because this is what builds the strength it needs in its wings to be able to fly…
Minnasan, konnichiwa! My name is Darey-Ann Louisville, I’m from Paramaribo, Suriname and I’m a MEXT 2022 scholarship recipient. I have a BSc in Mathematics and after graduating, I worked as a software developer. Currently, I’m a graduate research student at my dream university, the University of Tokyo, and I will be pursuing further studies at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology. Specifically, my research interest is Computer Vision—basically dealing with how computers can see like we humans do—which I will be researching in the department of Information and Communication Engineering. As I sit here listing all of this off, it’s humbling to realize just how much years of hard work, perseverance and support from others was needed for me to be able to type those concise sentences about myself. I therefore want to express my immense gratitude for being awarded the opportunity to not only pursue further studies in Japan, but to also serve as a bridge between Japan and Suriname, and the Caribbean Community.
My interest in Japan started early in life, through media and the prominent Japanese automotive and technological industries. But my continued interest was triggered by my sister, who lived in Okinawa for a few months, while I was still in secondary school. After hearing about her amazing experience with the education system, the citizens, and the technologically advanced cities, I felt a spark and became inspired to start learning more about Japan throughout my life.
Things really started coming together during my bachelor studies, when I followed an introductory programming course. I developed an interest in Computer Science and knew that that was the direction I wanted to go into. Computer Vision became particularly fascinating to me, because as it is still a relatively new field, there is a lot of untapped potential to be explored when it comes to finding useful applications in society, which is mainly what my research will be about. And what better country to study this in than one of the world’s leaders when it comes to technology and innovation?
For me, the choice was a no-brainer.
Though, just like the butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, I had my fair share of challenges to overcome before I was able to reach this “checkpoint”.
The first was that, because I lived in Suriname, I would initially need to fly over to Trinidad to continue my MEXT scholarship application process. Still, I tried my luck in 2018, during the last year of my Mathematics bachelor studies. Although I passed the first screening and went to Trinidad for the following round, unfortunately my application was not successful that year. I then applied via the University Recommended route that same year, but was also unsuccessful. The following year, after graduating, I tried applying via a designated office in Suriname to reduce travel costs. But sadly, even after preparing my application materials well before the deadline, my documents were never sent by the responsible actors.
At this point I felt like I was ready and just couldn’t catch a break!
Nevertheless, I powered on. It didn’t matter how many no’s I got, I only needed one YES.
In 2020 the pandemic hit and had a massive impact on everyone’s life. However, I was still passionate about pursuing further studies. After considering the (for me) high stakes of the MEXT scholarship, and the fact that the clock kept ticking and I hadn’t moved forward in my academic career yet, I decided to apply for a more attainable scholarship. Although I did receive it on the first try, it still felt like something was missing, and that I wasn’t able to reach my full potential in that program. My yearning for continuing my studies with the MEXT scholarship never completely died down and I still had the desire to become part of the best. So in 2021 I decided to apply for the MEXT scholarship yet again.
This time around I directly contacted the Japanese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, just like with my first try back in 2018. One of the positive sides of the pandemic was that I didn’t need to buy a ticket to fly over to Trinidad this time. Everything was online, or otherwise FedExed to the Embassy, and my application went smoothly.
Fast forward to now.
On May 20th it’s finally happening… I will finally embark on my journey to Japan!
Even though this is the start of a new journey that will undoubtedly bring its own challenges, I feel like after clearing all of the obstacles, I’ve finally won the “boss fight” and am moving on to the next level.
All of the past challenges were needed to prepare me for this next part of my journey. And just like the butterfly completing its final stage of metamorphosis, I feel like I’ve successfully emerged from my chrysalis and am now finally able to spread my wings and fly.
I’m standing on the shoulders of giants, and couldn't have reached this high without God, my family and friends, Ambassador Matsubara, the staff at the Japanese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, the staff at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and the University of Tokyo, my supervisor and everyone who supported me in any way.
I’m very grateful for this opportunity to expand my horizons, and I look forward to contributing to society and the scientific community, experiencing the rich Japanese culture, achieving personal and academic growth, and representing Suriname and the Caribbean Community in Japan.
I hope to make the Caribbean Community proud!
MEXT Scholarship Series: 2022 Scholarship Student at the University of Tokyo (Japanese Embassy Facebook)
MEXT Scholarship Series Archives
When a butterfly breaks out of its chrysalis, the process is an intense struggle. So much so that some feel the urge to help them. This help, however, may eliminate the butterfly’s ability to ever fly. You see, getting through this grueling escape on its own is crucial for the butterfly, because this is what builds the strength it needs in its wings to be able to fly…
Minnasan, konnichiwa! My name is Darey-Ann Louisville, I’m from Paramaribo, Suriname and I’m a MEXT 2022 scholarship recipient. I have a BSc in Mathematics and after graduating, I worked as a software developer. Currently, I’m a graduate research student at my dream university, the University of Tokyo, and I will be pursuing further studies at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology. Specifically, my research interest is Computer Vision—basically dealing with how computers can see like we humans do—which I will be researching in the department of Information and Communication Engineering. As I sit here listing all of this off, it’s humbling to realize just how much years of hard work, perseverance and support from others was needed for me to be able to type those concise sentences about myself. I therefore want to express my immense gratitude for being awarded the opportunity to not only pursue further studies in Japan, but to also serve as a bridge between Japan and Suriname, and the Caribbean Community.
My interest in Japan started early in life, through media and the prominent Japanese automotive and technological industries. But my continued interest was triggered by my sister, who lived in Okinawa for a few months, while I was still in secondary school. After hearing about her amazing experience with the education system, the citizens, and the technologically advanced cities, I felt a spark and became inspired to start learning more about Japan throughout my life.
Things really started coming together during my bachelor studies, when I followed an introductory programming course. I developed an interest in Computer Science and knew that that was the direction I wanted to go into. Computer Vision became particularly fascinating to me, because as it is still a relatively new field, there is a lot of untapped potential to be explored when it comes to finding useful applications in society, which is mainly what my research will be about. And what better country to study this in than one of the world’s leaders when it comes to technology and innovation?
For me, the choice was a no-brainer.
Though, just like the butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, I had my fair share of challenges to overcome before I was able to reach this “checkpoint”.
The first was that, because I lived in Suriname, I would initially need to fly over to Trinidad to continue my MEXT scholarship application process. Still, I tried my luck in 2018, during the last year of my Mathematics bachelor studies. Although I passed the first screening and went to Trinidad for the following round, unfortunately my application was not successful that year. I then applied via the University Recommended route that same year, but was also unsuccessful. The following year, after graduating, I tried applying via a designated office in Suriname to reduce travel costs. But sadly, even after preparing my application materials well before the deadline, my documents were never sent by the responsible actors.
At this point I felt like I was ready and just couldn’t catch a break!
Nevertheless, I powered on. It didn’t matter how many no’s I got, I only needed one YES.
In 2020 the pandemic hit and had a massive impact on everyone’s life. However, I was still passionate about pursuing further studies. After considering the (for me) high stakes of the MEXT scholarship, and the fact that the clock kept ticking and I hadn’t moved forward in my academic career yet, I decided to apply for a more attainable scholarship. Although I did receive it on the first try, it still felt like something was missing, and that I wasn’t able to reach my full potential in that program. My yearning for continuing my studies with the MEXT scholarship never completely died down and I still had the desire to become part of the best. So in 2021 I decided to apply for the MEXT scholarship yet again.
This time around I directly contacted the Japanese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, just like with my first try back in 2018. One of the positive sides of the pandemic was that I didn’t need to buy a ticket to fly over to Trinidad this time. Everything was online, or otherwise FedExed to the Embassy, and my application went smoothly.
Fast forward to now.
On May 20th it’s finally happening… I will finally embark on my journey to Japan!
Even though this is the start of a new journey that will undoubtedly bring its own challenges, I feel like after clearing all of the obstacles, I’ve finally won the “boss fight” and am moving on to the next level.
All of the past challenges were needed to prepare me for this next part of my journey. And just like the butterfly completing its final stage of metamorphosis, I feel like I’ve successfully emerged from my chrysalis and am now finally able to spread my wings and fly.
I’m standing on the shoulders of giants, and couldn't have reached this high without God, my family and friends, Ambassador Matsubara, the staff at the Japanese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, the staff at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and the University of Tokyo, my supervisor and everyone who supported me in any way.
I’m very grateful for this opportunity to expand my horizons, and I look forward to contributing to society and the scientific community, experiencing the rich Japanese culture, achieving personal and academic growth, and representing Suriname and the Caribbean Community in Japan.
I hope to make the Caribbean Community proud!
MEXT Scholarship Series: 2022 Scholarship Student at the University of Tokyo (Japanese Embassy Facebook)
MEXT Scholarship Series Archives