Experiences and Learning Gained in a Free and Open Environment

I wanted to become someone who can face “questions without a single correct answer

Before entering Eikei University of Hiroshima, I felt strongly that I needed to develop abilities that would remain valuable no matter where I found myself in society, rather than narrowing my future down to a single profession. I wanted to cultivate practical skills—the ability to propose solutions to the complex issues of the real world—through active, hands-on learning, instead of ending with theoretical knowledge from lectures alone.

My goal, though still vague at the time, was to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and approach them logically, especially when dealing with open‑ended problems that have no one right answer.

Since I had experienced inquiry‑based learning and active learning in high school, Eikei University felt like the place where I could make the most of that background. The practical courses—especially the Problem‑Based Learning (PBL) —and the environment that encourages active engagement were the key reasons I chose to enroll.

Gaining Real, Hands-On Learning Through a Year-Long Degree Project

The most impactful experience of my university life was my Degree Project. My theme was “Developing a Simple Detection Method for Microplastics Using Heat Treatment.” Unlike regular classes, the Degree Project requires you to devote an entire year to a single topic, and the amount of learning grows in proportion to the time and effort invested.

Through fieldwork at various locations, literature reviews, and discussions in my seminar, I was able to gain practical, real-world insights—knowledge that cannot be found in textbooks. There were moments when the project did not progress as expected, and times when I had no choice but to significantly change direction. Looking back, however, those very moments of adjustment and mental reset became invaluable learning experiences.

Although this was my own individual research project, I received support from many people—my supervisor, fellow seminar students, faculty members from other fields, students from different labs, and even staff at the facilities that allowed me to use their equipment. Wanting to meet their expectations gave me a strong sense of responsibility: I have to give this my all. It was precisely because of the support around me that I was able to carry the project through to the end, and I believe this experience helped me grow tremendously.

A Steady Strength That Helps Me Move Forward

At Eikei University of Hiroshima, I was surrounded by classmates who were constantly engaging in dynamic activities—studying abroad, launching startups, organizing events, and more. Being in such a stimulating environment helped me gain a deeper understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses.

There were times when I felt pressured by comparing myself to others. But through various classes and extracurricular activities, I gradually realized something important: Even if my path wasn’t flashy, I had the strength to make steady, consistent progress. I discovered that I am someone who can commit to both what I enjoy and what I struggle with, taking one step at a time with determination. This was a meaningful realization that I gained during my university life.

I believe this insight emerged because learning at Eikei University is, in many ways, a continuous journey of “understanding oneself.” Through repeated cycles of experiencing, reflecting, and refining, I developed my capacity for Self‑improvement, which helped me gradually clarify who I am and who I want to become.

Becoming Someone Who Embraces Change and Drives Transformation

Through my studies at Eikei University, I’ve gained practical skills such as observing situations from a broader perspective and logically organizing the information I gather. Moving forward, I hope to apply these abilities to navigate an ever‑changing society with flexibility, and to take the lead when meaningful change is needed—mobilizing others and driving action.

My goal now is to become someone who can analyze situations from multiple angles, identify missing elements or underlying issues within an organization, and address them through logical, well‑grounded approaches. I aspire to play a role that enables positive transformation and supports the growth of people and organizations around me.

Message to Prospective Students and Juniors

Even if something doesn’t seem overwhelmingly exciting at first, I encourage you to jump in if it sparks even the slightest interest. You may discover something unexpected or gain insights you never imagined. On the other hand, if you try something and realize, “This isn’t for me,” it’s perfectly okay to move on to the next opportunity. What matters most is experiencing many things—learning what you’re good at, what you struggle with, and what truly moves your heart. I believe that this process is the first step toward finding your own unique path.

Looking back, what makes me genuinely grateful for choosing Eikei University of Hiroshima is the freedom I had to explore and the wide range of experiences and learning I gained. Each of those experiences, one by one, has shaped who I am today.