{"id":3608,"date":"2026-03-24T14:54:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T05:54:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/?post_type=alumni&#038;p=3608"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:54:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T05:54:48","slug":"okuno-chiharu","status":"publish","type":"alumni","link":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/about\/alumni\/okuno-chiharu\/","title":{"rendered":"OKUNO Chiharu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I was able to find the person I want to become<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Searching for What Truly Suits Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Until high school, I was the kind of student who simply devoted myself wholeheartedly to what was in front of me\u2014club activities, studying, and day\u2011to\u2011day responsibilities. Yet, even as I poured myself into those efforts, I realized I had never truly taken the time to ask: <em>\u201cWhat do I really want to do?\u201d<\/em> or <em>\u201cWhat do I genuinely enjoy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only vague aspiration I held was the desire to <em>\u201cbe someone who can have a positive impact on others.\u201d<\/em> That was why I wanted to acquire not only specialized skills, but also broad, <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/outline\/policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">adaptable abilities<\/a> that would allow me to thrive in any environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A turning point came during my high school years amid the COVID\u201119 pandemic. As learning opportunities at school became limited, I spent more time watching the news and reading. For the first time, I discovered the joy of independently seeking out information and thinking through issues on my own, rather than simply being taught by someone else. I realized how exciting it is to learn and take action proactively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That experience naturally led me to Eikei University of Hiroshima, where <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/active_learning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">active learning<\/a> is a core part of the educational approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4517-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4517-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4517-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4517-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4517-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4517-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the Public Presentation of Degree Project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stepping Outside the Classroom to Take On Real-World Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the moment I enrolled, my learning has been a continuous series of <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">practical experiences<\/a>. One of the most memorable was the <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/pbl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Project-Based Learning (PBL)<\/a> course, in which we worked on real challenges faced by companies. Being entrusted with an actual corporate issue became an invaluable experience for me. The problem\u2011solving skills I developed through this program also proved useful in unexpected ways\u2014helping me navigate challenges in my part-time job and even small difficulties in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, through <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">IoT\u2011related learning<\/a> such as Excel and programming, I gained foundational skills that I now apply in everyday situations. Learning did not end within the classroom; it naturally connected to my daily life. I strongly feel that one of the greatest strengths of the <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/curriculum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">curriculum<\/a> at Eikei University of Hiroshima is how each class equips you with skills that continue to support you both now and in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another transformative experience was the <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Intensive English Program (IEP) <\/a>I took during my first year. Instead of learning English only as knowledge, we practiced using it as a tool for real communication. Through repeated, practical training, the psychological barrier I once felt toward using English decreased significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, I participated in a study abroad program in Korea through the <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Experiential and Practical Programs<\/a>. Engaging in conversation and building mutual understanding with people from different cultural backgrounds offered me a valuable opportunity to develop <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/outline\/competencies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Global collaboration<\/a>, one of the five competencies emphasized at Eikei University of Hiroshima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Facing Myself in an Environment of \u201cFreedom\u201d and \u201cRespect\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eikei University of Hiroshima offers a free and open atmosphere where students respect each other\u2019s interests and aspirations. It was precisely this environment that allowed me to face myself more deeply. I found myself developing new interests in fields I had never imagined before entering the university, and I was inspired by the activities of my friends. My perspective expanded significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even when I hesitated, thinking, <em>\u201cThis might be too difficult for me,\u201d<\/em> no one at Eikei University of Hiroshima dismissed my ideas. Instead, I was surrounded by peers and faculty who respected my curiosity. That supportive environment encouraged me to be honest about what I wanted to pursue. Through various experiences and actions, I was able to discover what I truly want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4528-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4528-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4528-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4528-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4528-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/03\/11A4528-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turning Learning Into Action\u2014and Into Society<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduating, I will work in a position where I interact daily with international visitors. The English skills I developed in the<a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"> Intensive English Program (IEP) <\/a>and the Korean language I learned during my <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/international-affairs\/program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">study abroad experience<\/a> will be strong assets in my work. More than that, I am confident that the problem\u2011solving skills I acquired through <a href=\"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/academics\/feature\/pbl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Project-Based Learning (PBL) <\/a>will be invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the workplace, I expect to face unexpected challenges and situations. In those moments, I want to respond flexibly\u2014just as I learned to do at the university\u2014and find solutions that move things forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message I most want to share with future students is this:<br>\u201cYour possibilities are limitless.\u201d<br>Be honest with your interests and take that first step. Every learning experience and every action you take will eventually become your strength and lead to contributions to society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4139,"template":"","class_list":["post-3608","alumni","type-alumni","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/alumni\/3608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/alumni"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/alumni"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/alumni\/3608\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4140,"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/alumni\/3608\/revisions\/4140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}