Masayori Sudo Hasegawa

1.Nationality

American & Japanese

2.Where are you from? Where did you live in the past?

I was born in New York City but lived in Tokyo, Oxford, New York, and Sapporo.

3.When did you graduate from HIS?

I graduated from HIS in 2021.

4.Where are you currently living?

New York City

5.What are you studying? What activities are you doing in college?

I am studying accounting at Baruch College, where I serve as the treasurer of the Pre-Law Society. In addition, I'm working part-time at Apple as an Operations Specialist and interning at Proskauer Rose LLP, a global law firm.

6.Why did you choose HIS?

The primary reason I decided to join HIS was due to the incredible conversation I had with Mr. Ratzliff during my interview. It was a very personal and engaging interview, which further fueled my desire to be a part of HIS. Additionally, I wanted to experience living in a snowy area to learn snowboarding. The fact that HIS offers dormitories for international students also played a significant role in my decision. Through this, I've made numerous friends who have become like family to me.

7.How many years were you at HIS?

I was at HIS for 4 years, starting from my freshman year of high school to my senior year.

8.What’s one of your favorite memories from HIS?

There are so many memories from HIS that it's hard to pick just one. However, I must say that my fondest memories stem from living in the dorm with my brother and numerous friends. From late-night convenience store runs to snowboarding adventures, my time in the HIS dorm has unquestionably been a highlight of my life, one I deeply cherish.

9.What was your favorite class, and which class helped you prepare the most after college?

My favorite class was AP Capstone/Research with Mr. Pangier. It undoubtedly prepared me for actual tasks in college and assignments in my internship, especially when it comes to effectively researching and presenting information to superiors. Mr. Pangier's unique teaching style put us in the driver's seat, allowing us to set deadlines and tasks. Moreover, he was always there as our mentor and advisor whenever we encountered challenges in class. I highlight and encourage any student interested in taking the course to take a leap of faith and do it. The skills you learn will definitely be extremely useful for you in the future.

10.What are you currently studying? What's your planned degree?

I am pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting for my undergraduate degree, with minors in Data Analytics and Law. Additionally, I am enrolled in a five-year program at my university. Upon its completion, I will earn a Master of Science in Taxation in the fifth year.

11.What was the most valuable experience you had at HIS and how is that experience continuing to help you today?

The most valuable experience I had at HIS was being part of the student council for three years, the first two as Vice President and the last as the president of the student council. It was a role that taught me leadership, time management, and effective communication. Balancing academics with the responsibilities of representing the student body was challenging, but it pushed me to prioritise tasks, delegate when necessary, and listen actively to the needs and concerns of my peers. This experience continues to benefit me today in various ways. In my current job, I often find myself in leadership roles where I need to coordinate with teams to ensure clear communication. Everything I've learned at HIS has definitely become second nature, enabling me to navigate complex situations confidently and efficiently.

12.How did your experiences at HIS help you in your adult life?

If I were to be honest, my time at HIS has given me a distinct edge in my university environment. Being multicultural and having the experience of living in several countries has endowed me with a unique perspective. The diverse background and experiences that HIS provided, coupled with the responsibilities of dorm life, have instilled a sense of discipline in me that many of my university peers might lack. Every hurdle and victory I faced at HIS has strengthened my resilience and broadened my viewpoint, equipping me with the intricacies of adult life. Above all, the friendships I've forged with classmates and teachers at HIS are connections I hold close to my heart and cherish deeply to this day. I met many of my closest friends at HIS and will continue to stay in touch with them.

13.Which moment in HIS would you like to relive and why? Would you do anything differently?

Hands down, I cherish the time I spent living in the HIS dorm with my brother and friends. It's where I created most of my cherished memories. Looking back at past photos, I'm filled with nostalgia, reminiscing about all the moments we shared. Having said that, I have no regrets and I wouldn't do anything differently.

14.What do you get up to in your free time?

I've recently taken up golfing as a sport. There's a driving range just 15 minutes from my home, so I've decided to capitalize on its proximity and begin practicing my golf skills.

15.What's your favorite book of all time? Alternatively, what's your favorite movie? Why? What do you love about it?

My favourite book is "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius. This timeless piece of Stoic philosophy provided me with profound insights into human nature and personal ethics. Every time I delve into its pages, I find valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and the art of living a purposeful life. Aurelius's reflections, even though they were written centuries ago, feel remarkably relevant and offer guidance in today's ever-changing world. I highly recommend that everyone read this book as it not only broadened my perspective but has also inspired me to approach challenges with equanimity and introspection.

16.If you could interview any past-living historical figure, who would it be, what would you ask them, and what do you think they'd say?

While "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius remains my favorite book, I would relish the opportunity to interview Miyamoto Musashi. Despite originating from two different countries and cultures, their views on life and philosophy bear striking similarities that intrigue me. Interviewing Musashi would provide a fascinating juxtaposition of Eastern and Western philosophies, allowing a deeper exploration into how two vastly different backgrounds can converge on shared truths about the human experience. I think Musashi's insight has a more profound sense of wisdom and the interconnectedness of human thought. Having read his The Book of Five Rings, I'd be very compelled to ask him: at what point can we cease fighting and lead a serene life? He explains that life and combat are inextricably linked so I'd love to know when one can finally rest. If he had to formulate an answer, I would assume he would say something along the lines of, "There may never be a point where one can entirely stop 'fighting,' but can live a serene life through introspection and understanding one's true nature.

17.What advice would you like to give to current Huskies about how to make every moment count, during HIS and beyond? What advice would you give graduating Huskies?

Embrace every moment at HIS with an open heart and a curious mind. Time is fleeting, and before you know it, the days will become cherished memories. Engage in every activity and take the opportunity to deeply connect with your peers, teachers, and the community, and never shy away from new experiences. Life beyond HIS is just as unpredictable; carry the same enthusiasm, resilience, and thirst for learning to make the most of every opportunity. For those of you graduating and gearing towards a career, I strongly recommend creating your LinkedIn profile immediately. It's an invaluable platform for networking with a myriad of companies and potential employers. Make the most of it. Additionally, don't forget to follow the HIS page. Our alumni network is expansive and ever-growing; you might be surprised by the opportunities that fellow Huskies can offer you in the professional world.