Hello Tokyo!

Hi! My name is Caroline Graham. I am a rising sophomore from Houston, TX, studying Mechanical Engineering and pursuing the Engineering Design Minor. I am thrilled to be in Tokyo! As soon as I knew I was coming to Rice, I knew I wanted to participate in the iSEED program, so I am excited that those hopes have become a reality. I love to travel and have now been to four continents, coming to Asia for the first time over winter break when I visited Thailand with my family. Having never been to Tokyo, I am excited to learn more about the culture and try the amazing food. Coming into this program, I had an open mind and was looking forward to seeing where each day would take me. We jumped right in on the first day I got here, traveling to Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree, eager to explore before class started the following day. In just the first few days, I have already gone out of my comfort zone and tried chicken heart, beef liver, squid, and chicken cartilage. I have created an Apple Maps guide that allows me to mark every location we go to. We already have an impressive 20 locations. I look forward to looking back on all of them at the end of the trip and having recommendations to share with anyone travelling to Tokyo.

I have really enjoyed class so far, especially the noticing hunt. The noticing hunt allowed me to slow down and be present in the moment, appreciating the smaller details of the city. The tasks required us to observe people, the setting, and how people interact with the setting. It was interesting to focus on the smaller pieces and then look at how they influence each other and what we could learn from that. For example, I had been on the subway several times before, but this activity encouraged me to focus on the smaller components that contribute to the subway being a quiet and respectful place. Although it was stressful to travel to places we had never been before, my group did a great job and strengthened our ability to navigate ambiguity. 

I can already see the collection of methods we have for design being applied to my life outside of class as well. Today, my phone was not working on the way back from an exhibit I went to, and I was unsure how to get back. Instead of getting flustered, I took this as a chance to navigate ambiguity once again. I was able to communicate deliberately with a stranger and receive instructions on the right subway route. 

Being immersed in Tokyo for just the first few days has already been so much fun and a great learning experience. I can’t wait to continue to get lost and learn along the way!