Soka University GCP (Global Citizenship Program) student, Sakura Kiyama, of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (second year) participated in the "STeLA Leadership Forum 2018" held at the University of Tokyo.
STeLA (Science and Technology Leadership Association) is an international student-run organization, and students in the science and engineering, as well as other fields from top universities in Japan, China, United States, Europe, and the Middle East gathered for this forum. This year, the forum was held from August 7th through 10th.
In the first half, a program to learn the theory-based leadership model of the MIT Leadership Center and to strengthen and implement practical skills through various activities took place.
In the latter half, out of the four topics of environment, economy, human rights, and society, they were given a project to solve two problems occurring in Japan. Actively debating from early morning until late at night, all of the groups were able to complete the project. By sharing their time together, even during their breaks and meals, the participants got an opportunity to share not only their cultures but also their values.
Ms. Kiyama commented, "Hearing stories of my GCP seniors who participated in STeLA in the past made me want to challenge myself to participate in this forum. At STeLA, participants from other countries were able to share their different views and values through daily conversations, as well as discuss future technologies. I was able to gain new perspectives. In the first half of the forum, it was very difficult for me to share my thoughts and opinions through the discussions, in turn fully realizing the importance of practical skills. In the latter group work and presentation, we made an environmentally friendly prototype house. This proposal was highly evaluated, and we were able to receive the first place among all the groups. Because we had deep conversations within the group and supported each other to bring out our best. I truly believe that we were able to make it a forum of great memories. This forum allowed me to continue enhancing my expertise in the science and engineering field in my remaining days as a student, and to think about the importance of studying abroad."