Euan McKay

STAFF INTERVIEW: Euan McKay (UK, (outgoing) Admissions Coordinator)

Jon: So Euan this is your final day at Yamasa, how do you feel?
Euan: Very sad to be saying goodbye to people of course, but strangely elated.

J: It must seem a long time ago now, but can you remember why you came to Yamasa?
E: Yes, I can remember it like it was just yesterday. After Cambridge I was living in Italy and made lots of Japanese friends there. At the time I was getting a little bored so I thought I needed a change. No particular reason for choosing Japan other than a lot of Japanese friends were coming here, so I kind of tagged along.

J: How has Yamasa changed during your time here?
E: My evil boss rarely bought me anything so nothing in the office changed, though he did buy me the occasional beer and some food from Bento Man when I was suffering from malnutrition. He also relocated my office 5 times, although his office was moved 5 times too as the workload and staff numbers grew.

J: Being a University graduate and fluent in Italian, how has studying (and working) at Yamasa helped you pursue your career goals?
E: Career goals? Eh? I guess my email writing skills have improved a lot.

J: Everybody is dying to know what you are going to do next.
E: I 'm going on to study for a Masters in International Relations at Waseda University's Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies where I'll be for two years. After that, I'm not sure. Long-term plans are not my strong point. But it's getting on for time to return to Europe, I think.

J: You spent a year at Yamasa as a student, am I correct?
E: Yep.

J: Who was your favorite teacher during that time?
E: Saaa....

J: Come on Euan, you can tell me!
E: Well, ok, but this goes no further than you and me and you can't put it in the interview.

J: OK, your secret is safe with me. What's been your fondest memory of your time here?
E: They all blur together in a golden haze but if I had to choose one it would be my first paycheck. Or rather using it.

J: If you could sum up Yamasa in one word what would it be? Remember, it has to be printable.
E: Subarashii.

J: Finally, any message for the readers?
E: I hope that everbody has found the newsletter at least a little bit informative and useful. If not, I guess they should have contributed something informative and useful...

J: Careful Euan, I don't want a reader backlash after you've gone. Thank you for your time Euan, and I wish you well in the future.
E: No, thank you, and good luck with the job.

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