Inspired by the graduate school advisor, a Fulbrighter, Dr. Ozawa Tomoko decided to apply for the Fulbright Program. "My advisor shared her study abroad experiences with me, and it made me believe that it would be a life-changing opportunity. Hence, I set a goal to study in the U.S. as a Fulbrighter.” The COVID-19 pandemic set her plans back by a year and half; however, she realized her dream in October 2021.

Dr. Ozawa studied at the Smithsonian Institution and researched the history of military dependent housing in Japan. Belonging to a research institute permitted her to have access to a rich trove of materials. “The Smithsonian Institution, like other major educational/research institutions in the U.S., offers a vast amount of primary and secondary material, both actual and digital. I took full advantage of the library privileges.” Being a Fulbrighter also helped open new doors. “When I introduced myself as a Fulbrighter, the person I was speaking to would say 'I am a Fulbrighter too' or 'I have an acquaintance who is a Fulbrighter,' and that led to lively conversations and new connections. I felt a general trust in Fulbrighters.”

Everyday life in Washington D.C. gave her a cosmopolitan experience. “There were people of various nationalities and backgrounds, and many had experience living outside their own country. I met people who know more about Japan than I do; I learned about Vietnamese restaurants in Tokyo from a Vietnamese who had resided in Tokyo before coming to D.C. I also had discussions on American history subjects that are not widely known even among Americans.” Dr. Ozawa enjoyed the interactions that transcended national boundaries.

She has since returned to the Japanese university where she worked before studying abroad. Her latest goals are to publish her research findings and to share her experiences with her students--passing on the baton from one generation to the next. “The Fulbright Program supports both financially and socially, and provides the opportunity to have a wonderful experience. I would like my students to know more about this scholarship.” Just as she was influenced by her advisor, one day her students may become a Fulbrighter.