Newsgroups: soc.culture.japan
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1992 23:06:12 -0500 
From: Rikiya Asano <ra01+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: otoko-rashii Riki-chan

Friends, 

           There have been many questions as to my history. And, even
though I hate arrogance and ego, I will tall the interested alittle
about my educational
accomplishments and trials in America. Please, don't misunderstand this.
I know that many have more accomplihments than I and reached higher
plateau's than I. That'S great!


                     In 1987 or 86, I came to America. Although I had a
big fantasy about entering into a school like Wasada, Hokkaido, Kyoto,
or others I couldn't. Went I was in Nippon, I did Actually try to enter
Wasada for as a major in physics. After not being accepted, I change my
plans and tried to
enter Tokyo National University for the Fine Arts and Music. And, as you
you know I failed here also. I came to America depressed and on the
verge of suicide. But, I still had the goal of oassing the TOEFL test.
At least, I would not be a complete failer. I was A student in Point
Park College in Pittsburgh. I was in ESL when I met my best and only
friend. I came to America wanting to be an artist. So, at that time I
was in the art department at PPC. PPC was affiliated with the Art
Institute of Pittsburgh. So, I thought that I was happy.
But, as I found out Commercial art limited my  creative expressions. So,
I was unhappy. My friend sucessfully got me to cross registrar for one
class to the University of Pittsburgh and a class to Carnegie Mellon in
art. I was also taking classes in the Humanities and Mathmatics in Point
Park College. Within a year or so my grade went up from a 2.1 to a 3.5.
And, my TOEFL went from a 420
to a 553. This was not as easy as I'm writing. I was going to three different 
schools and experincing culture shock on a variety of levels. But, my
freind did not let me quit. And, I wanted to because I was "spoiled" and
"Delicate". Though, the Grace of God, I was able to attain full
acceptance into the College of Fine Arts Art Department. And, I was
determined to give 195% to this once in a life-time opportunity. I
graduate from the Art Department with High Honors and 
A Q.P.A. of 3.87. There was a semester in which I took 75 units. I did three
gallery showings, a research grant and many other opportunities which will
help me in life(I'm very grateful for this). I completed my B.F.A. in
3.5 years.
One and a half years at PPC(Ai, PITT) and two years at CMU. So, It is
correct that I was listed as a Junior last year. I completed my junior
year in one term.
While I was an art student in my undergraduate education, I took classes in the
humanities and Mathmatics. In June, July or August, I received
acceptance into the Civl Engineering Department as a Master's candidate.
I like before pledge
to give 195% of myself toward the completion of this program. I'm
currently taking five classes. They are:

                                    Fluid Mechanics
                                    Structural Analysis
                                    Thermodynamics
                                    Ceramics and Glasses
                                    Industrial waste treatment

Plus, I am currently, trying to complete an Art Exhibition/proposal. I
won't lead this forum down a wrong path. There are certain stipulation
as to me being a Master' student. But, I know that with God's mercy, I
will suceed! And, go on the get my doctorate. I had a difficult
transition from being in the art department and this civil engineering
thing. The work, the Bullshit of some of you, and the Death of my
Mother(suicide) and Uncle(liver Cancer) at the beginning of this term,
have been most trying. In the future, I may change my career goals
to(and that's a big MAY) either Material Sceince, Chemical Engineering
or Robotics or concentrate on fluid mechanics forever. I'll Always be an
Artist(Drawing Painting Sculpture)and a Civil Engineer. I am really
comtempleting joining the UC Berkley Community for a Ph.D. At the rate
that I'm
going I should complete my currently studies in about a year and a half.
But, as I found out opportunity is a very spontenous. You have to be
prepared. Some consider my "Punishment" for some of the netters here as
being harse. To me it's nothing but a bunch of old punks and fools
talkin'. They have attained very little in understanding. "When their
instutition folds they fold", as I was told. 
Newsgroups: soc.culture.japan