I'm ISRAT JAHAN from Bangladesh. I’m in the 4th year of the Ph.D. course at the Department of Pharmacology.
   During my study period in pharmacy, I was interested in getting my higher study abroad in some specific subjects. Among my favorite subjects, medical research such as translational research and applied pharmacology was one of them. While I was trying to apply for my higher study abroad, fortunately, I had a chance to make a contact with Professor Koichiro Wada, Department of Pharmacology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine.  During the communication, I found that Prof. Wada is an expert in the field of metabolic syndrome-related diseases. Nowadays, the metabolic disease is a global burden all over the world. Therefore, I strongly hoped to join Prof. Wada’s Laboratory to start my higher education at Shimane University. Before starting my Ph.D. course, I completed my master’s degree from his laboratory. While studying as a master’s student, I found all the lab members, especially my supervisor and mentor, very supportive and inspiring, which further motivated me to study as a Ph.D. student.
   I arrived in Izumo on January 12th, 2017, at midnight, and I couldn’t see my surroundings very well. But I remember the temperature was below zero and I was the coldest ever in my life. It felt like my body was aching and shaking and did not sleep well at night.  But the next morning when I opened the door, I saw wonderful nature covered with a white carpet of snow. It was an amazing and eye-soothing feeling for me.
   My biggest culture shock was the Japanese language. Whenever I heard it but didn’t understand the meaning, it felt like I had hearing difficulties. Another culture shock was the bowing manner in Japan which was totally different from my culture and seemed very weird to me.
   I love Japanese food, especially, “Onigiri” filled with tuna and mayonnaise. I often buy it from the convenience stores. I also like Japanese sushi and sometimes go to the sushi restaurant. 
   My favorite sightseeing spot is Mt. Sanbe in Oda-shi. I went there several times with my friends and family. The ropeway is very exciting and enjoyable, and the panoramic view from the top of the mountain is mind-blowing. Another spot I like very much is the Hinomisaki lighthouse. I like the scenery surrounding it the best. The combination of the ocean and mountains looks so amazing. 
   As a career path after graduation, I would like to get established in my study-related occupation where I can keep learning new things and continue my research for further development of my career.

by ISRAT JAHAN, March 2023