2008 Woodie Awards
Megumi Kanada
Majoring in Megumi Studies
By: Polsgrove, Cora
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Spotlight
My first encounter with Megumi Kanada was on August 28, 2004. Beginning with her unbelievably loud rendition of "Like a Prayer," which echoed through the halls of Doty 2 to her latest plans to undertake a bicycling trip for reproductive justice, Kanada always found a way to make an impression.
CP: Where are you from?
MK: My parents live in Tokyo with my 17 year old sister, Miyuki. I like to think that I'm a Tokyoite, but at this point I feel as if I've come of age here in St. Paul.
You were actually the first person I met at Macalester.
Yes. I offered your mom tea and cleaning supplies our first day on Doty 2. Through you I befriended Teresa Engst. She and I formed "Team Biracial" with other biracial girls from Doty 2. We're still trying to organize and make t-shirts.
Why were you were always singing "Like a Prayer" freshman year?
I've been behaviorally conditioned to seek enjoyment in karaoke like a true Japanese girl. Since I couldn't go out and sing my heart out at the bars, I sang to Doty 2. "Like a Prayer" has always resonated with me. Possibly because I'm a former Catholic school girl, but more importantly because life is a mystery and everyone must stand alone.
Wise words. Any other advice for Macalester students?
I have advice for sophomores. Study hard, but drop out if you want to. Because junior year you'll be lonely and realize all of your friends are studying abroad or graduating. If your loans permit, take a semester off and come back later. Live a little, some praxis to your learning.
How about advice for first year students?
Everyone warned me about moving in and the difficulties of getting along with your roommate. Never did I anticipate the hell of packing up and hauling my ass plus all of my stuff out of the dorms. My Doty 2 friend, Claudia, and I ended up renting a U-Haul because I had so much stuff and she had missed storage day. So my warning to all first years is to start getting rid of all the tree branches and large pebbles you've collected over the happy months. I've shared my wisdom, now finish up all of your academic and love-oriented projects and gracefully depart.
Now that you're a senior, is wrapping everything up easier or harder?
Macalester needs to change in terms of its schedule. There should be a longer study break between the end of class and finals. Especially as a senior I don't see how you're expected to finish all your final projects, then proceed to pack all of your emotional and physical baggage, say goodbye to everyone, and then get the hell out. It's just impossible. My housemate Joseph Brooks heartily seconds that, followed by embittered squeaks. I'll have less than a week after graduation before I have to get myself to New Orleans to start my REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE bike tour with Pro-Choice.org, but if I had more time before the booze cruise I'd be less pressured.
Tell me more about this bike tour.
Jessica Mowles, who I met during my happy days on Doty 2, we're both queer-positive feminists and avid readers of feministing.com. She and I noticed a link advertising this educational bike tour where we'll be meeting with community members through the deep south up to New York City. For over six weeks we'll be a part of a consciousness raising, critical mass, building community and affirming the work of pro-choice health workers in local communities.
Have you done any training for this?
Our politics are in line, just not our physical stamina. But I can only speak for myself. I am currently looking for a personal trainer, so let me know if anyone's interested. I also need to have some conversations with some campus bike experts, as well as with people to sponsor me financially.
What's next after the bike trip?
That's a very important life question. (Long pause), Japan. Then Philly.
Your birthday's coming up. Any thoughts on turning 22?
I want to invite everyone who knows where I live to come to my birthday breakfast potluck at 10:45a.m. on Saturday. I'm making garlic eggs and providing orange and tomato juice.
Are you a hipster?
In some situations I get accused of being a hipster, but I don't really identify with the term. I guess a hipster would do that. The thing is, I just want to be my mother, Peggy. I love wearing her clothes, especially her Land's End, circa 1989. Also, I love and only listen to Tracy Chapman. You be the judge.
Do you consider yourself to be an awkward person?
The thing about the term awkward is, yet again, it doesn't apply to me and my sense of self. I think I'm just plain CRAZY. Also, I worry that in many interpersonal situations at Mac "awkward" is underscored by clinical depression.
Do you like Café Mac?
This is the first semester I haven't been on the commuter plan. The only reason I decided not to pay $550 to Bon Apetit is because I just end up eating fries and sliced tomatoes. The thought of paying so much money to continue my diet of so many fries just scared me. Though, I really like them when they're curly.
Who's your favorite person at Macalester?
I have a few: Karla Benson-Rutten. Mark Holte. K. P. Hong. And Joan Ostrove. And KING.
What's your impression of Macalester?
To me, Macalester is a learning environment that oscillates between the extremes of an enriching and invaluable learning experience and an environment that stymies concern for basic human interaction. Why is it that we can't be friends Monday through Friday? Do you really have to be drunk to want to make love to me? Why is it that I'm the only person that has noticed the time capsule on the first floor of the library? Why is it that I'm the only one who cares?
What time capsule?
Exactly my point. Take a look around. Take another moment and breathe.
What's something that most people at Macalester probably don't know about you?
I'm in a love/hate relationship with a cat named Katie Brooks. Also, I'm really excited about Asian Pacific Islander Awareness Month and all of ASA's planned activities through this month.
Who would you like to see spotlighted in The Mac Weekly?
I'd like to have more conversations with Tinbete Ermyas.
CP: Where are you from?
MK: My parents live in Tokyo with my 17 year old sister, Miyuki. I like to think that I'm a Tokyoite, but at this point I feel as if I've come of age here in St. Paul.
You were actually the first person I met at Macalester.
Yes. I offered your mom tea and cleaning supplies our first day on Doty 2. Through you I befriended Teresa Engst. She and I formed "Team Biracial" with other biracial girls from Doty 2. We're still trying to organize and make t-shirts.
Why were you were always singing "Like a Prayer" freshman year?
I've been behaviorally conditioned to seek enjoyment in karaoke like a true Japanese girl. Since I couldn't go out and sing my heart out at the bars, I sang to Doty 2. "Like a Prayer" has always resonated with me. Possibly because I'm a former Catholic school girl, but more importantly because life is a mystery and everyone must stand alone.
Wise words. Any other advice for Macalester students?
I have advice for sophomores. Study hard, but drop out if you want to. Because junior year you'll be lonely and realize all of your friends are studying abroad or graduating. If your loans permit, take a semester off and come back later. Live a little, some praxis to your learning.
How about advice for first year students?
Everyone warned me about moving in and the difficulties of getting along with your roommate. Never did I anticipate the hell of packing up and hauling my ass plus all of my stuff out of the dorms. My Doty 2 friend, Claudia, and I ended up renting a U-Haul because I had so much stuff and she had missed storage day. So my warning to all first years is to start getting rid of all the tree branches and large pebbles you've collected over the happy months. I've shared my wisdom, now finish up all of your academic and love-oriented projects and gracefully depart.
Now that you're a senior, is wrapping everything up easier or harder?
Macalester needs to change in terms of its schedule. There should be a longer study break between the end of class and finals. Especially as a senior I don't see how you're expected to finish all your final projects, then proceed to pack all of your emotional and physical baggage, say goodbye to everyone, and then get the hell out. It's just impossible. My housemate Joseph Brooks heartily seconds that, followed by embittered squeaks. I'll have less than a week after graduation before I have to get myself to New Orleans to start my REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE bike tour with Pro-Choice.org, but if I had more time before the booze cruise I'd be less pressured.
Tell me more about this bike tour.
Jessica Mowles, who I met during my happy days on Doty 2, we're both queer-positive feminists and avid readers of feministing.com. She and I noticed a link advertising this educational bike tour where we'll be meeting with community members through the deep south up to New York City. For over six weeks we'll be a part of a consciousness raising, critical mass, building community and affirming the work of pro-choice health workers in local communities.
Have you done any training for this?
Our politics are in line, just not our physical stamina. But I can only speak for myself. I am currently looking for a personal trainer, so let me know if anyone's interested. I also need to have some conversations with some campus bike experts, as well as with people to sponsor me financially.
What's next after the bike trip?
That's a very important life question. (Long pause), Japan. Then Philly.
Your birthday's coming up. Any thoughts on turning 22?
I want to invite everyone who knows where I live to come to my birthday breakfast potluck at 10:45a.m. on Saturday. I'm making garlic eggs and providing orange and tomato juice.
Are you a hipster?
In some situations I get accused of being a hipster, but I don't really identify with the term. I guess a hipster would do that. The thing is, I just want to be my mother, Peggy. I love wearing her clothes, especially her Land's End, circa 1989. Also, I love and only listen to Tracy Chapman. You be the judge.
Do you consider yourself to be an awkward person?
The thing about the term awkward is, yet again, it doesn't apply to me and my sense of self. I think I'm just plain CRAZY. Also, I worry that in many interpersonal situations at Mac "awkward" is underscored by clinical depression.
Do you like Café Mac?
This is the first semester I haven't been on the commuter plan. The only reason I decided not to pay $550 to Bon Apetit is because I just end up eating fries and sliced tomatoes. The thought of paying so much money to continue my diet of so many fries just scared me. Though, I really like them when they're curly.
Who's your favorite person at Macalester?
I have a few: Karla Benson-Rutten. Mark Holte. K. P. Hong. And Joan Ostrove. And KING.
What's your impression of Macalester?
To me, Macalester is a learning environment that oscillates between the extremes of an enriching and invaluable learning experience and an environment that stymies concern for basic human interaction. Why is it that we can't be friends Monday through Friday? Do you really have to be drunk to want to make love to me? Why is it that I'm the only person that has noticed the time capsule on the first floor of the library? Why is it that I'm the only one who cares?
What time capsule?
Exactly my point. Take a look around. Take another moment and breathe.
What's something that most people at Macalester probably don't know about you?
I'm in a love/hate relationship with a cat named Katie Brooks. Also, I'm really excited about Asian Pacific Islander Awareness Month and all of ASA's planned activities through this month.
Who would you like to see spotlighted in The Mac Weekly?
I'd like to have more conversations with Tinbete Ermyas.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
David
posted 4/18/08 @ 11:43 AM CST
Go, Megumi, go! Love that pro-choice bike trip!
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