{"id":3697,"date":"2026-03-16T09:07:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T00:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/?post_type=alumni&p=3697"},"modified":"2026-03-16T09:07:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T00:07:30","slug":"iida-natsu","status":"publish","type":"alumni","link":"https:\/\/eikei.ac.jp\/english\/about\/alumni\/iida-natsu\/","title":{"rendered":"IIDA Natsu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Four Years Expanded Through Encounters and Dialogue<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Expanding My Horizons by Combining Diverse Learning Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Before entering Eikei University of Hiroshima, I hoped to combine the swimming skills and English ability I had developed over many years. I imagined teaching swimming to people from overseas or creating opportunities for students to study swimming abroad\u2014challenges that would allow me to make use of my strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, I strongly felt that rather than narrowing my focus to a particular field at an early stage, I wanted to broaden my perspective by exploring various disciplines. My goal was to become someone who could integrate multiple fields and create new value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, I was deeply drawn to the liberal arts<\/a> <\/strong>education offered at Eikei University of Hiroshima, which allows students to study a range of academic areas instead of specializing in just one. I was also attracted to the opportunities to learn alongside international students<\/a> on a daily basis, Project-Based Learning (PBL) <\/a>, and the Experiential and Practical Programs<\/a>. These elements convinced me that this was a place where I could truly connect broad learning with real-world practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What ultimately solidified my decision were the senior students and faculty members<\/a> I met at the open campus. Seeing how passionately and joyfully they spoke about their learning made me genuinely feel, \u201cI want to spend the next four years here.\u201d<\/em> That moment led me to choose Eikei University of Hiroshima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Developing a Collaborative Mindset Through Encounters with Diverse Perspectives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most memorable learning experiences for me at Eikei University of Hiroshima was the course Studies in Diversity and Multiculturalism<\/a>. Together with international students<\/a>, I engaged in repeated discussions on complex topics such as immigration and gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these conversations, I encountered perspectives and values that would never surface in a classroom of only Japan\u2011based students. I experienced firsthand how the way we see the world can vary greatly depending on one\u2019s cultural and social background. It was not simply about gaining knowledge; it was about deepening my thinking through dialogue that respected each person\u2019s experiences and viewpoints. This broadened my intellectual horizons in ways I had never imagined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through this course, I felt that I built the foundation for Global collaboration<\/a>\u2014the ability to work with others as a global citizen grounded in diversity. Learning to discuss respectfully while valuing different perspectives became a central part of my growth. The experience taught me the importance of collaborating across differences in nationality, culture, and language\u2014one of the key competencies<\/a> fostered at Eikei University of Hiroshima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Combining What I Love and What I\u2019m Good At\u2014Carving Out My Own Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These ongoing dialogues and learning experiences gradually transformed into the ability to put my interests and strengths into concrete practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the Experiential and Practical Programs<\/a>, I took on an overseas internship by leveraging my strengths in photography<\/a> and English<\/a>. I contacted a local photography studio abroad on my own and secured an internship opportunity. Even with language barriers, photography served as a shared language, and I realized the potential to connect deeply with others beyond words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, in my Degree Project<\/a>, I explored swimming instruction for children with developmental disabilities, drawing on my experience as a swimming coach. It was an opportunity to take what I had learned in the classroom and transform it into real, hands-on practice. Through these experiences, I felt a significant increase in my Energetic drive<\/a>\u2014the ability to take action and move projects forward over the course of these four years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Identifying the \u201cEssence\u201d Behind Surface-Level Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After graduation, I will begin a new chapter at an IT trading company, where I hope to contribute to solving clients\u2019 challenges by utilizing IT as a powerful tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing on the broad perspectives and problem\u2011solving processes<\/a> I cultivated at Eikei University of Hiroshima, I want to go beyond addressing surface-level requests. Instead, I hope to continually ask, \u201cWhat is the fundamental issue behind this need?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than simply providing products, I aim to engage in thoughtful dialogue with clients, explore the best possible options together, and become someone who can offer proposals that create meaningful value for society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At the Public Presentation of Degree Project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Message to Prospective Students and Juniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eikei University of Hiroshima is a place where countless events and student\u2011led projects emerge every day. Even if you don\u2019t yet have a strong sense of purpose, if you feel even a small spark\u2014\u201cThis seems interesting,\u201d<\/em> or \u201cMaybe I want to try this\u201d<\/em>\u2014I encourage you to take the first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By diving in, or sometimes by simply allowing yourself to be drawn into someone else\u2019s initiative, you will encounter experiences you could never have imagined on your own. Through those experiences, you will gradually discover what you enjoy and what you\u2019re good at. And once you find that, this time you can be the one who brings others along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facing something that truly excites you\u2014wholeheartedly and without hesitation\u2014will become a valuable asset that supports your future self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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