MST Alumni

MST’s is proud of our alumni community who have gone on to accomplish so many wonderful things in all corners of the globe. In this section, we celebrate their achievements and they share their reflections on how their time at our school has been a formative factor in their lives.

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Montessori Memories #1 (Jasmine)

For our first-ever Alumni Feature, we’re catching up with Jasmine Rupani, 18, who started at MST when she was 6 years old and left after 5 years in our Elementary programme when her family returned to the US.

Hey Jasmine! Thanks for being willing to share an update on what you’ve been doing since your time at MST. Tell us about what you remember most fondly about your old school.

I recall in Upper Elementary I was asked in a video interview what my favorite thing about MST was and my answer is the same to this day: the people. I also loved going to camp because I got to spend all day with my friends and teachers that I had so much fun with. Along with this, I loved working on the school musicals and group projects because these were outlets in which I could spend more time creating and learning with my friends. MST and Japan were my home and it was one of the most shaping chapters of my life so far.

Tell us more about that: how did MST prepare you for the next part of your adventure?

MST prepared me to care deeply about my education and how to be self-disciplined, so although the expectations of my school looked drastically different, I was able to adapt quite quickly. Furthermore, my math and science skills were pretty advanced which gave me the time to catch up on subjects we didn’t focus on at MST, such as American History and Latin. The skills I learned from my Montessori education continue to be a blessing to me as I engage in higher levels of academia. I am able to examine the world critically and be hands-on in my studies. When we did AP Calculus and Statistics in high school, I found it second nature to visualize the problems we were working on, because I wasn’t taught math from a textbook, I was taught it from interacting with the classroom materials. More than anything, MST taught me how to learn and how to love the process of learning. This allows me the freedom to tackle difficult subject matter without feeling pressured to know everything or to get everything “right.” Learning is a lifelong process.

Sounds like you had some pretty impactful teachers. Who were they?

Throughout the years my classroom teachers were Lynn, Tomoko, Kinota, Patrick, Sainoor, and Minako.

And what about your friends? Are you still in touch with any of them?

I am still in touch with my friends from MST! We definitely don’t get to talk as much as I would like, especially as many of us have recently started university. Since leaving Japan, I’ve gotten the opportunity to get in touch with a few friends here in America, visited some friends in France, and have seen old teachers. Social media has been a great way to stay updated with each other’s lives. It’s so great to scroll through Instagram and see old friends. There are a few other MST alumni attending university in the greater Boston area and we’re hoping to meet up sometime next year!

WOW! That’s fantastic! So you’re living in Boston, which is such a beautiful city.

My family is located in San Diego, California and my dad recently started working in Tokyo again. I’m currently a student at Gordon College just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I am part of the Global Honors Program, Class of 2023 and plan on majoring in Communication Arts with minors in Theatre Arts and Theology. I am also the current president of A.S.I.A. (Asian Students in America), Gordon’s Asian Student Organization, where I hope to educate my peers on the experience of Asian American/International/Third Culture Kids.

So it seems as though your time living in Japan has left a big impression on you, even to this day. Thinking back to your time here, what do you miss most about it?

I miss the freedom I had in Japan to travel and explore. I think in America I have often felt held back by the lack of public transportation and the safety of kids traveling alone. The experience of a Montessori education in Japan was so amazing, because I was able to have a lot of freedom and control in all aspects of life, which allowed a lot of space to learn and grow.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I think the advice I would have given my younger self is the same advice I’d have for current MST students. Make the most of your experience at MST and don’t let your experience stop within the walls of our school. The lessons you are being taught are so valuable and don’t hold yourself back by being afraid. Develop deep relationships with your peers and your teachers. The education you’re getting is so rare and it is a great gift – use it.

Wise words, Jasmine. And lastly, thinking to the future, what’s in store for you?

My studies of communications, theatre, and theology may seem disparate, but have a common thread throughout them: storytelling. In the future, I hope to be a storyteller (when I say this word, I always remember the song from Scheherazade, the MST musical we did when I was 6 years old, that goes “please tell me a story…a story that will take me to a place where dreams come true”)

My plans and aspirations are not grand ones. I don’t intend to change the world through a large gesture, but I do think a good start is through being intentional with my impact on others. It is my hope to be a wife and a mother one day and share with my kids the great things my education has provided me and helping them love learning as well.

It’s my current dream to open a cafe where I sell teas and snacks from the places I have traveled and have it be a place where people engage in conversation with one another in an earnest seeking of truth through expanding their perspective of the world. I love connecting with people through art and food, and a cafe seems like the perfect opportunity to do so.

Jasmine, thank you so much for sharing your news and dreams with us! We hope you’ll continue to keep us posted over the years. And let us know when we can drop by your future cafe - we’ll look out for some Montessori themed menu items!

Montessori Memories #2 (Lucy)

Our newest alumnus, Lucy Ford! We sat down with her for some reminiscing before the Middle School Graduation Ceremony in June …

When you think back on your time at MST, what are some of your most treasured memories?

My most treasured memories are basically all the memories I made with my best friend. Her name is Laura, and I met her in third grade when I was still in the Oak classroom. I love thinking back on all the fun times we had, whether it was just going to the art room together, or singing and writing songs together. I remember being in the musical Jack and the Beanstalk, where I was a donkey and she was a goat. I’ve always loved participating in musicals at MST, and I’ve been in three of them so far: Robin Hood (1st grade), Twinderella (3rd grade), and Jack and the Beanstalk (5th grade). I was also in Julius Caesar last year, which was great fun! Even though my best friend moved back to Europe at the end of sixth grade, we’re still best friends, and even though I miss her, I was able to find great friends at MST after she left.

However, there is one memory that I will always remember: There’s a Willow ski trip every year, and my most memorable one was in sixth grade. I will always remember waiting with anticipation in the line for the cheese pasta; at the buffet in the hotel, they would have this big bowl made out of cheese and would mix the hot pasta inside so the cheese would melt and mix into it, which always excited me. One memory that was even more exciting for me was my trip to Rome for the MMUN conference. That was one of the best weeks of my life, and all the work was definitely worth it.

Both you and Pete are leaving at the same time! What will you remember most about him?

The one thing I will always remember about Pete is how friendly he is with all the students. He is so involved in the community which I think makes him a great Head of School. He would always start the MST cheer at the end of the school concerts, and would come to our classes from time to time, just to say hello! I’ve found that he has a great way of communicating our school’s values (Confidence, Respect, and Compassion) to students at school assemblies, and in other situations.

Psssst … we asked Pete what he’d remember most about Lucy. Keep reading to find out …

Think back to your very first day here (if you can remember it)! What advice would you give to your younger self?

I don’t remember my first day very well, because it was a very long time ago. All I remember is being extremely shy. If I could say anything to my younger self on that first day, I would just tell me to be myself, and that way I will make so many good friends, make lots of good memories, and learn so many new things. I would want to let me know that the worst thing I could do is hold back, and that you don’t have to change yourself to make others like you.

Wise words, Lucy! So, where to next for you? And why have you chosen that particular school?

This August I will start school at Yokohama International School. I have only heard good things about it, and it seems like a really great school. I have a couple of friends there who say it’s an amazing school, and I believe them, because I’ve seen the school, and it just looks wonderful. The students there participate in so many fun events, and as far as I know, everyone finds really good friends there. My parents told me that they too have only heard good things about YIS, and I’m very excited to join in August, despite the stress that comes with the transition to high school.

High School can be exciting, daunting, thrilling and overwhelming all at once, especially when you are yet to begin! What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to meeting new people, and making new friends. Although MST is a wonderful school, my next school has a lot more students in my grade, and I’m excited to experience being in a big class. I’m also looking forward to just my daily life as a 10th grader, having a new schedule, eating in the cafeteria, and other high school activities. I really feel like for the rest of my years in Japan I’m going to have an amazing time.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? 10 years’ time?

In five years I can see myself going to a university in Victoria, BC (where I used to live), attending classes, studying, making trips to my grandparents’ house. I would love to live there in five years because it’s where I spent my kindergarten years, and where my family lives. If not there, I’ll probably be attending another university in Canada. I’m still not exactly sure what path I want to take, but whatever I choose, I’m sure I’ll make so many great relationships and learn so many new things along the way.

One thing we all know about you is that you’re an incredibly kind, compassionate and genuine human being. Who are the people you would most like to help? What are the problems you see around you that you'd like to work on?

The global issue that impacts everyone on this planet is climate change, and that is why I think it is one of the most important issues to work on. By working to create and maintain a clean climate, we could help thousands, if not millions of people by preventing droughts, terrible storms, pollution, extinction, etc. Of course, there are other issues impacting people all over the world, such as poverty, racial discrimination, etc., but I really do think the earth is the one thing we really need to focus on protecting, before anything else.

For people reading this who might be new to Tokyo, share a secret tip on a great place to eat or visit.

Hmm… there are so many great places to visit in Tokyo, but the one area I’m most familiar with that has a lot of Japanese restaurants is probably Nakameguro. Every year, in spring, many people gather at Nakameguro river to see the cherry blossom trees and the lanterns, and often eat at the many restaurants around the river. There are a lot of Japanese restaurants in that area, but also great Italian, Indian, and other restaurants around there. There’s a really great ramen place just outside Nakameguro station that my family loves to eat at, and there’s also an amazing pizza place along the big street across from the river.

What's your message to current and future students who are still on their MST journey?

MST is such a wonderful school. It gives students so much freedom to learn and discover new things that they are motivated to learn, and you must use your freedom wisely. If you truly use your freedom properly, there’s so much you can do and learn. Although students at MST are taught to be independent, there are always going to be friends and classmates you can rely on to help you along your journey.

Lucy, thank you so much for taking a walk down memory lane with us, and for sharing your excitement about the next big chapter in your life. We know you’ll continue to do incredible things and will do MST - and yourself - proud!

Here’s what Pete will always remember about you:
I recall Lucy as not being amongst the loudest or most outspoken of students. I think she arrived in Lower Elementary and my first impressions of her were one of the youngest in her class. Suddenly she was in her third year in the class and was speaking out more. A true representation of cycling through the mixed ages of the Montessori environments, I also remember a quiet student in her first years in Upper El.

Actions speak louder than words is a saying which captures a lot of Lucy as a young girl. Her leadership and strength began showing through more in her final year in Upper El. Her peers looked up to her, she was a role model for the younger students. Upon entering the Eucalyptus class, Lucy started speaking more (this was my experience, anyway). Always a thinker, she became a hub of the activities and happenings in the class.

Lucy's soft style of leadership allowed everyone in the class to share their voices. Still looked up to, Lucy's self-awareness, strength in her convictions, honesty, integrity, commitment to work and her loyalty to her friends, made her an integral part of the culture of the Eucalyptus class. She is an exceptional and independent young woman, who does credit to MST and is an embodiment of our core values of confidence, respect and compassion. I can't wait to see what she does in the next stage of her life.

Montessori Memories #3 (Kalani)

Our first alumni feature for this school year is Kalani Kwan, 21, who graduated from MST in 2011 after seven years at our school.

Hey Kalani! Thank you for catching up with us! Tell us what you remember most fondly from your MST days?

Some of my favorite memories of MST came from our Elementary Camping trips to Karuizawa and Naspa Ski Resort. For many of us, Karuizawa was the first time we spent nights away from mom and dad. That first day where we lined up to board the bus always brings back funny memories of everyone crying for what felt like our final goodbyes.

I personally loved these excursions because, simply put, I could spend every waking and sleeping moment with my best friends without being scolded by my parents! It’s been years, but I can still vividly remember all the meaningful and ridiculous adventures we had. These few days of being away from family and with friends was where I felt the most like a kid – no worries about anything except for not having enough fun. What I would give to go back and experience them just one more time.

Do you still keep in touch with your friends from MST?

Unfortunately not as much as I would like but I have recently been in touch to 3 classmates from my Elementary ‘Graduating Class”. I wouldn’t say we’ve grown apart, but it’s been almost a decade since we were all physically in the same place and well, with these expatriate families moving around so much, it’s easy to lose touch. I , fortunately, am social media friends with almost all of my closest friends from MST. I just haven’t met many of them in person for a while. Hopefully I can change that soon.

And what have you been up to since you graduated from MST? Where do you now live?

After I graduated MST in 2011, I moved to the American School in Japan (ASIJ). Following my graduation from ASIJ, I moved back to Singapore to serve 2 years of military service, and now I am currently in Boston and enrolled as a student at Boston University as a member of the class of 2023. My family moves around between Singapore and Tokyo.

Boston’s such a beautiful university town. What are you studying?

I’m currently studying psychology. I’m considering double majoring or minoring in business, but still haven’t decided.

How do you think your time at MST prepared you for your next school as well as for university?

Other than preparing me academically, MST has helped me the most in developing interpersonal skills and self-driven goals and rules. Establishing and developing social etiquette, empathy, compassion, and respect are a few of the qualities that I think MST is well-known for. In a world that continues to interconnect with one another, whether in-person or virtually, it’s impossible not to socialize. I personally believe that MST helped me the most in establishing and refining many of these social qualities and skills in order to be a better human being for not only my school career, but also for the rest of my life.

Wow! That’s quite a testimonial and speaks so well of your time here. It seems as though MST has been pretty impactful on your worldview. So how do you plan on changing the world?

Honestly, I don’t know. However, in whatever capacity I can, I would like to be able to help those around me. I’m still trying to discover what that medium is to help others, but as long as I am helping people, then at least I’m being a meaningful asset to bettering this world.

What did you learn from your time in Tokyo? And what do you miss most about Japan?

Tokyo taught me the importance of being independent when it comes to moving around the city. Tokyo’s safe environment and highly competent and complex public transportation system make it easier to understand the ways of transportation and develop confidence as a traveller.

I miss the food!!! Whether at a classy, dine-in restaurant, an on-the-go 屋台, or even from a konbini, Japan, without fail, provides amazingly high-quality food.

Where in the world do you want to go next? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Honestly anywhere, somewhere where I am happy and not regretting the decisions I’ve made in life. Maybe even with a family of my own.

Lastly, what advice would you give your younger self and to the current MST Students?

Whatever interests you have, no matter how small, just go for them. What’s the harm in trying? You may realize that you don’t like it or you may realize that you love it, but if you never try, then you’ll always be left to ponder “what if.” Live by your own values and beliefs, but don’t ever be uncompromising and push others away for believing differently from you. Sometimes, values and beliefs do change. Be able to “read” the room.

MST is such a wonderful period of your life where not only do you develop as an academic student, but you also develop as a citizen of the world. And the best part of it all is that you don’t even really realize any of that. When you leave/graduate MST, your memories shouldn’t just be made up of doing math, writing journals, doing research, and so on. They should be all of that AND of all the adventures you’ve had with the friends and teachers you spent so much time together with while on those adventures.

Kalani, thank you so much for sharing your updates with us!
We hope you’ll continue to keep us posted over the years!

Montessori Memories #4 (Emelie)

Hello Emelie, Thank you for agreeing to share your experience at MST with our community, We are all excited to hear what you've been up to.

It's not a problem, when I received your email I was excited to reminisce and share some of my memories.

I guess let's start off with the basics, do you remember when you started at MST?

I do remember, I believe it was in 2006, it seems like such a long time ago already! I remember feeling slightly nervous but as soon as I came to school I felt immediately welcomed.

It's great to know that we welcomed you with open arms, but you're right the first day of school can be quite scary. Do you remember what class you were in?

My family was in Japan from 2006 to around 2008, so I believe I joined in lower elementary, My teachers at the time were Sainoor Premji and Kinota. Once I moved up to upper elementary my teachers were Lynn and Jerry, I remember I had amazing memories in all of my classes!

It's great to know that you enjoyed yourself, do you have a specific memory that comes to mind when reminiscing about MST?

There are so many! Extra-curricular activities were probably my favorite (thank you James!!). I loved table tennis, speed stacks, and the drama club. I was never good at speed stacks but practised endlessly at home. Scheherazade was also such a great experience to have at such a young age. I remember standing behind the curtain ready to go on stage when the performance had just started, and feeling so nervous. Afterward, I wished we could have given another performance because I enjoyed it so much. Looking back, I am so grateful for the MST community that made all of these things possible.

What a great memory, I'm sure all the teachers are happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself! If there is something that you took away from your time living in Tokyo, what would it be?

I was only 9 or 10 years old while we were living in Tokyo. I learned the importance of being courageous and practising compassion for others, regardless of culture or language - things I didn't really realise I was learning at the time! I also learned a little Japanese, of course.

And what important things to learn, especially at such a young age! Since we've talked a lot about your past it would be great to know what you have planned for the future?

Well I'm currently living in Edinburgh and doing my Master's Research in Biomedical Sciences and I hope to start a Ph.D. in cancer/oncology within the next couple of years, so in 5 years I hope to have a doctorate (if all goes according to plan, fingers crossed!). In 10 years, who knows? I will be 32, which sounds crazy at the moment. I would still like to be doing research in 10 years, and I'm hoping that I will be able to visit universities in different countries for this. A visit to Tokyo will definitely be due by then!

That's fantastic to hear, clearly, the lesson of compassion is still carried with you today as you embrace a career in bettering others lives!

I'd like to thank you so much for your time. It's been wonderful to hear about your memories and your hopes for the future. When you do return to Tokyo please let us know, MST is always looking for opportunities to reconnect with their students.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to relive some of my memories, I will definitely take you up on the offer if I ever find myself in Tokyo!

Montessori Memories #5 (Emelie)

“I hope to be a clinical counselor or work with LGBTQ+ youth. I put a lot of passion in talking about that stuff in my three years of studying child and youth care,” wrote Riley Ishii, an elementary student at MST from 2004-2008. Currently living in Toronto, Riley recently completed an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care with honors at George Brown College and is now currently enrolled at Ryerson University.

Riley’s fondest memories at MST were the ski trips. And in a Montessori setting, Riley appreciated that students were allowed “to do self-directed learning” and “the teachers treated everyone equitably regardless of who people are and their country of origin.”

While MST was a positive environment, Riley suggests schools in general “can create safer spaces by using gender inclusive language” like everyone instead of boys and girls, “asking students their names and pronouns,” and widening representation in the learning environment by having “a diverse range of reading material (for example books about LGBT people).”

What can we as parents do to support LGBTQ+ youth? “It's important for people to support the young person on their journey. Coming out can be daunting and intimidating.” Adults need to “acknowledge [youth] for who they are, such as using their chosen name and pronouns and allowing them to dress in a way that is affirming to their identity. So in my experience, people assume that young people are too young to know their identity but that's not often the case. People should be given the space to explore and express who they are.”

When not tirelessly advocating for young people, one of Riley’s goals is to relearn Japanese to connect with family in Japan. “I'm the oldest cousin in the family and I have a lot of younger cousins who I want to actually talk to. I didn't have any older cousins I could look up to, so I do want to be more present.”

“Another goal for myself is to have more courage to speak up. One of my professors pointed out that she wished I talked more in class because she knew I had something amazing to contribute.” By speaking up and educating others, Riley beautifully embodies the words of MST: Confidence, Respect and Compassion. Confidence in finding one's voice. Respect for other people’s identities. And the Compassion to grow with them.

Montessori Memories #6 (Hyunmin)

Alumnus Spotlight: Hyunmin Ko, Aiding Dogs through Science

Hyunmin Ko, who currently lives in Ithaca, New York, attended MST from Sunshine to upper elementary in Hazel, Maple, and Willow classes. His first MST teacher, Naoko in Hazel, remembers him as “a very active, energetic, clever, and polite boy.”

What are your fondest memories of MST?

Having close connections with all my teachers. With over 100 students in each of my classes in college, it is hard to find the time to have meaningful conversations with my professors. I really do miss the days where I would have enjoyable conversations with my teachers and get to know them better.

What do you most appreciate about living in Japan?

I learned the vast differences in culture in Tokyo compared to the US. I learned how the Japanese value and emphasize respect and hospitality a lot more so than any of the other countries that I have traveled to. Also, I must say that nothing beats the bidet in the Tokyo bathroom and also the magnificent customer service as well as the quality of the food served. (College food kind of sucks.)

What are you studying now?

Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University.

What made you choose engineering?

In high school, I was in an animal advocate club that inspired me to help out dogs that had been neglected and abandoned. In college, I wanted to do something that could somehow help out the dogs in any way possible and I thought biomedical engineering would be the best option for me. In the future, I would like to make prosthetic legs for dogs or manufacture vaccines that can cure diseases.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

I believe that I will either be studying more to get a master's degree or trying to find a company that focuses on manufacturing equipment that could be used to help dogs with certain disabilities.

What books do you recommend?

I would recommend Delirium. It's one of the few books that I've read and enjoyed a lot. It is about a dystopian future where love is classified as a "disease".

What advice would you give MST students?

Always have a positive and growth mindset and also visit MST when you have the chance!

Is there anything about a Montessori education that has helped you in your academics or life?

To this day, I highly value MST’s motto: Confidence, Respect, and Compassion. What's more important than academics is having good social relationships with other people. There's no point in accelerating in your academics if, in the end, you are alone. MST helped me make so many wonderful friends throughout the years that helped me out through multiple hardships. And that is one of the many things I still respect about Montessori to this day.

Montessori Memories #7 (Eman El-Qady)

Currently living in Cairo, Egypt, Eman El-Qady was an upper elementary student at MST almost ten years ago. One of her teachers, Minako Kikkawa, remembers her as hardworking, “aware of the environment at all times.” She was particularly struck by “how quickly she mastered hiragana and katakana.”

What are you doing these days?

I'm currently in my third year of studying software engineering in Helwan University. I chose software engineering as my career since the world is getting technologized everyday and I found it important to keep up with all the fast-paced technologies. It's an amazing and interesting field since you get to be introduced to new technologies everyday.

What are your fondest memories of MST?

The two years I spent in MST were really extraordinary for me. They were filled with amazing memories, starting from being with my friends and classmates in class until the graduating concert. Each time I spent time with them whether in class, recess, or even the autumn and ski trips, they were all very unique memories. I still have the yearbooks back from when I was there and I actually go through the pictures every once in a while. I really, really miss MST and all those beautiful memories I had there.

What do you most appreciate about living in Japan?

Living in a country with a totally different culture than where I came from was a bit of a challenge for me in the beginning, but then I got used to the situation. The time I spent in Tokyo and MST was actually one of the main reasons I worked on my English and gained a lot of experience while dealing with people from different cultures and countries.

What was your favorite thing to do in Tokyo or what was your favorite place to visit?

The best thing about Tokyo which I've always admired is the wide green parks almost everywhere. I loved how they're always full of colors during all seasons of the year and it would always make you feel refreshed whenever you took a walk and had some fresh air there.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Five years from now, I hope I'll be working as a senior quality control engineer (software testing engineer). I could also be continuing with my masters or PhD. I also hope that later I could get the chance to visit Japan again and stay there for a while.

My main goal right now is to finish my studies in uni and then get a nice job in the field that I'm currently studying. After that, I wish I could get the chance to work in another country or just visit new cities in the world. For this year, I just hope for me, my family, and everyone else out there to stay as healthy and safe as possible.

What is an important issue to you these days?

These days I'm settling in my first job after graduating from university so I'm focusing on getting started and putting all my efforts to work things out. I'm also giving myself the chance to get to know other colleagues and learn from them.

What advice can you give current MST students?

I'd advise current MST students to seize the moments and make as many memories as possible while they are at MST. Being an MST student is one of the most extraordinary experiences I had in my life, and they'll know what it is worth later on.

- Maria Montessori