Arigatou, Sensei
by Rebecca Clark '15
If you happen to walk into Betty White’s room during a typical Friday lunch, you’ll encounter an excited group of students talking about all things Japanese—not necessarily in English.
If you happen to walk into Betty White’s room during a typical Friday lunch, you’ll encounter an excited group of students talking about all things Japanese—not necessarily in English.
If you’re truly lucky, you’ll be able to see one of the distinguished guest speakers who have come to work with these students, giving fabulous lectures and sharing unique experiences. These experiences are part of a unique independent study course organized by students and facilitated by Mrs. White with the help of USN parent Mine Yoshizawa. This special class is dedicated to the study of Japan, its language, and its culture. It is driven by the enthusiasm of the students as they prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kamakura, Japan, Nashville’s Sister City, this summer. There they will serve as international delegates from our home here in Music City.
As a part of this independent study, we were fortunate enough to be visited a few weeks ago by Dr. James Auer, a Vanderbilt professor and Director for US–Japan Studies and Cooperation at Vanderbilt of political relations with Japan. He spoke to us about his time living in Japan as a naval officer and then gave an interactive lesson in the history of Japanese political development.
Then, only two days later, we were honored to visit the home of former USN director Harvey Sperling, where he and his wife, Cathie, gave us a tour of their extensive Japanese art collection. Their collection was vast and incredibly beautiful, including the works of Japanese woodblock print master Munakata Shiko and Sperling’s own photographic works. Our time there, though far too short for the liking of all parties, was filled with stories of travels abroad and the wonders of each work of art.
As a part of this independent study, we were fortunate enough to be visited a few weeks ago by Dr. James Auer, a Vanderbilt professor and Director for US–Japan Studies and Cooperation at Vanderbilt of political relations with Japan. He spoke to us about his time living in Japan as a naval officer and then gave an interactive lesson in the history of Japanese political development.
Then, only two days later, we were honored to visit the home of former USN director Harvey Sperling, where he and his wife, Cathie, gave us a tour of their extensive Japanese art collection. Their collection was vast and incredibly beautiful, including the works of Japanese woodblock print master Munakata Shiko and Sperling’s own photographic works. Our time there, though far too short for the liking of all parties, was filled with stories of travels abroad and the wonders of each work of art.
Sperling was instrumental in establishing the Exchange Program between University School and Kwansei Gakuin, our partner school in Nishinomiya in 1988. What started as a friendship among adults has expanded into interglobal education, personal exchanges of students, and the simple exchange of letters between all students in the ninth grade.
The young delegates of the Japanese class at USN have been thrown into the international limelight, attracting attention from the mayor of Kamakura and even the Japanese Consul General himself here in Nashville. During the last week of classes, we will be privileged to attend a traditional Japanese lunch at the home of the Consul General. This privilege, an opportunity to experience the culture of Japan firsthand, is a testament to the effort and commitment of the students and teachers.
In a few weeks, the students will depart for Japan. Starting in Tokyo, they will begin a two-week tour of the history and culture of Japan, including time spent as ambassadors to Kamakura. This trip will be the culmination of all of the excitement and preparation over the past few months and is sure to make this independent Japanese class a rousing success.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.