LEONARDIA Sara Bongco

September 2023 admission

from Philippines

Exploring Grassroots Movements and Expanding Horizons Through Hands-on Experience

A Curriculum Aligned with My Passion for Higher Education

At first, I was interested in the curriculum of Eikei University of Hiroshima and found many of the academic topics closely aligned with my own personal interests in higher education. This strong alignment was the main reason I chose to study here.

Learning About Community Engagement at Kodomo Mirai Tankyusha

As part of the Experiential and Practical Program (EPP), I spent three and a half days interning at Kodomo Mirai Tankyusha, a community-focused organization in Kobe. Through direct interaction with local residents and stakeholders, I learned about grassroots initiatives, community engagement, and efforts to support local development.

Because of how my fellow students and I approached our learning, our time in Shin-Nagata felt almost like a dedicated research trip. Through this experience, I gained deep insights into how grassroots initiatives start, build momentum, and grow. More importantly, it was a transformative journey that helped me learn more about myself, my personal interests, and my long-term goals.

Applying the “Five Competencies” to Critical Thinking and Empathy

The “Eikei University of Hiroshima Five Competencies” (Foresight, Strategic thinking, Global collaboration skills, Execution skills, and Self-improvement skills) have been exceptionally useful—especially when evaluating projects and setting goals for both myself and others.

These competencies allow me to analyze projects critically, apply those insights to my own work, and vice versa. Beyond academic and project work, acquiring these skills has helped me better understand diverse perspectives and experiences, enabling me to thoughtfully incorporate them into my own lived experiences.

Advancing Degree Projects and Connecting People Across Communities

For the immediate future, I am focused on advancing my degree project and working toward meaningful and favorable results. Looking further ahead, my long-term goal is to work in an industry or field that allows me to actively interact with people—whether on a local community level or through larger-scale international events.

Seize Every Opportunity to Learn About Yourself and the World

Eikei University of Hiroshima provides countless opportunities to learn about yourself and the world around you. Making the most of every opportunity presented to you here is truly the best way to gain an unforgettable and enriching university experience.