Making it happen: Pursuing many desires with a solid plan

I was admitted to the university during the pandemic. During my first year, I was taking online lectures at my family house in Hiroshima. I was able to go to Tokyo in the second year, but I only had three years left. Thinking that I could spend a richer student life if I lived in a multicultural and multilingual environment than living alone, I decided to move into the Sophia-Arrupe International Residence.

To lead a fulfilling student life, I used the University Bulletin Board, which is the school’s portal site. I checked the site a number of times a day, found interesting events, and actively participated in them. As a result, I think my three years were very packed with activities.

Among these events, I participated in the Sophia University Africa Weeks 2023 in my fourth year. For this event, I carried out important missions as the representative of the student event management group. The Sophia University Africa Weeks is an annual event with a wide variety of programs, such as lectures and symposiums with the goal of exchanging and working with Africa, which is rapidly growing.

My interest in Africa began when I was a child and read an article written by a woman who traveled to Africa. The article introduced not only the difficulties faced by African nations, but also how uplifting and powerful these nations were, and I felt excited reading it. I chose to enter Sophia University because it had a good lineup of classes on Africa. Furthermore, it was my dream to get involved in the Sophia University Africa Weeks 2023.

Unlike me, most members had been to Africa for various reasons. I became worried thinking about what I could do since I had learned about Africa only through classroom lectures. As we worked to align our ideas to create the best event possible, I believe I learned how to be more flexible. I also had an exciting experience of exchanging opinions on fair trading and supply chains with senior high school students and students from other universities who participated in my workshop.

I visited Côte d’Ivoire after this event. Needless to say, it was far more exciting than the event. There, I was able to clearly feel the potential of Africa and recognized the importance of a partnership between Africa and Japan. I heard that the company I am planning to join has a study group to discuss business development in Africa. I’m excited for the opportunity to capitalize on my experience from my trip effectively within this group.

Classes, events, and encounters with new people helped me grow

I aimed to dedicate my fourth year at university to thoroughly explore subjects that interested me and acquire skills essential for my future career. During the spring break before my third year, I developed my job-hunting plan and started early. Given my uncertainty about my career path back then, I explored options such as pursuing graduate studies, working in government, or entering the private sector.

I chose a consulting company in the end because of Africa, which was at the center of my mind. Needless to say, the class I took in my third year, Business and Development Projects in Africa, had a great influence on my career path. I originally thought it would be nice to be able to work for an international organization, but in this class, I realized that I would be able to closely work with local people through business activities. This motivated me to explore the possibility of what I could do in an industry that can approach a social issue from multiple perspectives.

Lecturer Eri Yamazaki who taught this class was responsible for the Sophia University Africa Weeks and one of the Social Engagement Programs “Introduction to the History and Contemporary Society of Africa” through which I traveled to Côte d’Ivoire. In my fourth year, I was able to learn a lot from her too. I believe I was able to take full advantage of Sophia’s strength, which allows us to take classes from a different department or faculty so that we can gain knowledge from various perspectives.

It’s in the distant future, but I would like to teach at Sophia University like Lecturer Yamazaki someday. Along the way, I have many smaller dreams like entering a graduate school and joining the African Development Bank. To make these come true, I will first try to navigate my busy and yet exciting days at the company I am planning to join.

※Please note that the content of this article is subject as of October 2023