Finding an inclusive community plus big opportunities

For Ayano Shimizu ’26, home is in Okayama, Japan — but she has also found a home here at North Central College.

During her search for a college in the United States, the marketing major recalls being impressed by photos of North Central’s beautiful campus and learning that the College is only 28 miles west of Chicago. Now in her senior year, she says two things stand out about her experience as a Cardinal: community and opportunity.

An inclusive and supportive community

Once on campus, Shimizu quickly found community on the international student floor in Patterson Hall, where other residents helped her transition to college life.

“It made me feel welcomed and supported,” Shimizu said. “When I first moved into the dorm, I didn’t know how to assemble my bed and felt quite lost, but the students I had just met kindly helped me put it together and even carried my heavy luggage. Their kindness truly touched me.”

She added, “The small student population allows for close relationships with professors, and the diverse, multicultural community was another key factor in my decision. I believe these aspects provide the ideal environment for my personal and academic growth.”

Unique opportunities

Shimizu’s deep connection to the Cardinal community includes the many ways she has gained career-ready experiences. For example, she has created marketing materials and photographed events for North Central’s Office of Institutional Communication, interacting directing with College staff.

“In Japan, it is rare to find such professional job opportunities at universities, so I feel that this experience is incredibly valuable,” she said. “The on-campus jobs at North Central College provide an excellent opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills, which is one of their greatest advantages.”

Another valuable experience was traveling to New Orleans during the spring 2025 semester for the American Marketing Association Collegiate Conference. In the digital marketing category, she competed against students from across the country — a result of taking Marketing 350 with 
Dr. Donnavieve Smith, associate professor of marketing and Grantman Professor in Business and Economics.

Shimizu said, “At North Central, there is an environment where you can challenge yourself and pursue any opportunity if you have the desire to do so. Thanks to the support from the College, I was able to gain the confidence to take on new challenges.”

Learn more about majoring in marketing at North Central College.