Noriko Okada

Enjoying the experience

Noriko Okada describes herself as having taken ‘the unconventional route.’

Coming to Purchase later in her educational career, Noriko Okada ’20, had already completed a bachelor’s degree in Japan before journeying to the states to pursue her interest in visual arts at a local community college. Given her passion for the arts, the chair of the community college program recommended that she consider Purchase College for graduate study. In reviewing her options, Noriko selected the dual MFA/MA degree program. 

In reflecting on the program, Noriko notes that the faculty and her cohort of fellow graduate students gave her the support she needed to thrive at Purchase College. She joked that she didn’t want to provide specific shout outs as each interaction with the faculty provided her with further insight into her work as an artist and a scholar.  

“There are a lot of notable memories! I received very good support from the faculty members of both visual arts and art history. When I was accepted to present my paper at the College Art Association conference, my teachers all came out to help with my practice…I didn’t know what I could do or what I was capable of but they always encouraged me and I realized, ‘OK maybe I can do this.’ Their trust and encouragement were great.”

Life after Purchase

After completing the three-year dual degree program, Noriko went on to continue her studies as an art history PhD student at the University of Maryland. She focuses on furthering the research on Japanese American artists that she began for her thesis project here.

Fun fact- Noriko’s master’s thesis at Purchase focused on Yasuo Kuniyoshi, a Japanese- American artist who holds the honor of the first retrospective exhibition as a living artist at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1948.

In looking forward, Noriko hopes to build on the teaching experience she gained as a graduate student here at Purchase and to continue to educate future undergraduate students. 

Advice for future students?

Noriko wants to remind new students to celebrate the moment and to create their future by taking advantage of the resources and experiences available to them at Purchase College and its proximity. 

“Being a student is not always fun, but you have the power to find something intellectually interesting and enriching. That is a form of creativity. Don’t go to college only for your future. Use your creativity and enjoy it. You have the future because you have the current moment. If you don’t really enjoy this learning process, it doesn’t make for a good future. 

*Quotes edited for grammar and clarity.