Kenta

Since I came here, I have often thought about my country, Japan. Now I think it is really important to understand the relation ship between own country and the other countries.

How did you find out about UWC and why did you apply?
One day I joined a discussion about nuclear weapons, which Japanese and American high school students attended. The people who organised it were 18-29 year old young people who had graduated from UWC. I admired them because I realised such young people could take initiative to the society! Their experience in UWC sounded amazing. Then I decided to apply to UWC, hoping to be like them.

What were you first impressions of UWC?
Utopia!

What’s been the hardest or most challenging so far?
Before I came here I had never lived in another countries and I had never lived with people from outside of Japan. For me this is the first time to live in other language. That’s why I sometimes can’t understand what teachers and friends said. And also people in Pearson have extraordinary talents! To struggle with myself is the most challenging for me so far.

What activities and service have your decided to do and why?
The reason why I chose scuba diving is clear. I love the ocean and I am really interested in diving! Special needs music is my service activity. Every week we visit a facility for the people suffer from drug or alcohol problems to play music. I chose this activity because I think music has something beautiful beyond the language, generation and social barrier. I am not a native English speaker, so I also wanted to represent myself not using language.

What are your ambitions after you leave UWC?
Since I came here, I have often thought about my country, Japan. Now I think it is really important to understand the relation ship between own country and the other countries. After the UWC I want to use my wonderful international experience in Japan and all over the world. So, I want to be a person who connects Japan and the world.