Franklin Sussman OC ‘17

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J.F. Oberlin University, Japan (2017-19)

Franklin Sussman graduated in May 2017 as an East Asian Studies major. Franklin spent the 2015-2016 school year at Doshisha University on the Associated Kyoto Program, and took up to the 500-level of Japanese classes at Oberlin. Franklin is passionate about languages, linguistics and music, which are all subjects they see most lacking in the U.S. educational system. While in Kyoto, Franklin joined a community group to study Japanese Sign Language where they found the members to be compassionate and supportive of their efforts to master this difficult subject. At Oberlin, Franklin co-taught the ABCs of American Sign Language ExCo. Franklin sees themself entering the teaching profession, which they think will be an exciting and never-ending challenge. However, Franklin is willing to put in the necessary work to succeed.

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Osewa Ni Narimashita: Ten Places I Will Miss
Osewa Ni Narimashita: Ten Places I Will Miss

Franklin Sussman ‘17, JFOU Fellow

Though I live on my own and there are few instances to use this in interpersonal relationships, there are a number of shops, restaurants, or other establishments that I feel particularly indebted to in the way this phrase conveys. Without these places, my time in Japan would be more difficult, dull, and meaningless. Without some of them, I literally might not have been able to survive. So, I leave this as a tribute to the ten places I will miss the most. Thank you for taking care of me.

Pride
Pride

Franklin Sussman ‘17, JFOU Fellow

First and foremost, I am proud of the effort I have put into my personal engagement in the LGBT community in Tokyo and the rewards that have come from it. Since the end of last summer I have been volunteering in the Delivery Boys program at community center akta in Shinjuku Ni-chōme, the gay district of Tokyo.