What's your dream? Where does it take you? Read about Kazuya Aoshima's story and his dream for motivating young people across Japan.
I’m Kazuya Aoshima, currently studying undergraduate degree in English literature at Rikkyo University, Japan. I was a participant of ESI 2015 and was inspired to come back as a coordinator of ESI 2016 July. After returning to Japan last year, I joined VIA Next Innovators Tokyo (NIT) alumni group, and this now I’m the president of the group.
In the future, I hope to make spaces for young people, especially aged 15~18, to talk about their dreams and motivate each other. This vision was one of the things that motivated me to return to ESI. In the past, I always wondered why students can’t talk about themselves with confidence. One of the main reasons is that adults don’t try to make adequate spaces, which then often leads to the students’ loss of identity and motivation. Then I noticed that ESI is an ideal place for this because every participant from various countries is capable of speaking and sharing their own story, which led to interesting interactions and strong friendships. I wanted to feel the growth of participants and learn how to encourage them to proceed to their next step.
In the future, I hope to make spaces for young people, especially aged 15~18, to talk about their dreams and motivate each other. This vision was one of the things that motivated me to return to ESI. In the past, I always wondered why students can’t talk about themselves with confidence. One of the main reasons is that adults don’t try to make adequate spaces, which then often leads to the students’ loss of identity and motivation. Then I noticed that ESI is an ideal place for this because every participant from various countries is capable of speaking and sharing their own story, which led to interesting interactions and strong friendships. I wanted to feel the growth of participants and learn how to encourage them to proceed to their next step.
During ESI 2016 July, I was always feeling what we call “Connecting the Dots”. All participants may agree with this thought, since this program is really constructed well so that we understand the process of each curriculum at the end of program. In addition, I would like to emphasize “Connecting the Dots” from a participant to a coordinator. As a participant, I was almost satisfied with finishing the program. However, it coming back as a coordinator, I realized could still learn a great number of things from ESI. Especially, the “Storytelling Workshop” was impressive for me. I had the opportunity to facilitate this workshop, and got to -understood the value of story more deeply. In order to motivate others to take action, we need to tell own story, not just share statistics or information we find online. Stories have strong power, which encourages people to take action. Sometimes we are afraid of being open to strangers, it is natural, but there is no doubt that they would not understand our situation or perspective if we hesitate to tell our story. Being a coordinator made me reflect on myself and find out what I want to do in the future.
Before coming to San Francisco this time, I had a dream to become an English teacher. After this coordinator experience, I wondered why I limited my possibilities—I can do even more! Of course, English is an indispensable communication tool all over the world. I would like to tell the importance of a global language “English” to students. However, proficiency in English is not enough exactly—the most important thing is how we use English for interaction with foreigners. English has huge possibilities towards “Education” such as VIA program, so I don’t have to separate English and other ‘Education”. So, I want to think about “Education” from many aspects like VIA, for example, “Design Thinking” is a great process for students to think about themselves. Now I am able to utilize this method thanks to this coordinator experience, I could have more confidence in being an inspiring and effective educator. I am currently excited to imagine my future because I know that education has infinite possibilities. I hope that my future students will be willing to study outside of Japan and have the initiative in being successful in their future. From now my journey is taking off again! I know that I will sometimes get lost, then stop and look around and ask myself “What do I want to do?” If I need help, I can raise my hand, because I am surrounded by great friends and family. Don’t be afraid, just go ahead. I will keep making dots. Although I don’t understand the meaning of each dot at the moment, I will make sure that it is really important. Finally, I will look back on my road, then be proud of my life.
I am really glad to be one of the ESI family. Without this program, I would not be what I am now. I can’t tell my gratitude enough, however I will be a person who can return the kindness of ESI program. In the future, I would like to ask VIA to come to Japan to hold an interesting event with me and give new opportunities to students, I am looking forward to working with VIA again!! Thank you for your kindness.
Before coming to San Francisco this time, I had a dream to become an English teacher. After this coordinator experience, I wondered why I limited my possibilities—I can do even more! Of course, English is an indispensable communication tool all over the world. I would like to tell the importance of a global language “English” to students. However, proficiency in English is not enough exactly—the most important thing is how we use English for interaction with foreigners. English has huge possibilities towards “Education” such as VIA program, so I don’t have to separate English and other ‘Education”. So, I want to think about “Education” from many aspects like VIA, for example, “Design Thinking” is a great process for students to think about themselves. Now I am able to utilize this method thanks to this coordinator experience, I could have more confidence in being an inspiring and effective educator. I am currently excited to imagine my future because I know that education has infinite possibilities. I hope that my future students will be willing to study outside of Japan and have the initiative in being successful in their future. From now my journey is taking off again! I know that I will sometimes get lost, then stop and look around and ask myself “What do I want to do?” If I need help, I can raise my hand, because I am surrounded by great friends and family. Don’t be afraid, just go ahead. I will keep making dots. Although I don’t understand the meaning of each dot at the moment, I will make sure that it is really important. Finally, I will look back on my road, then be proud of my life.
I am really glad to be one of the ESI family. Without this program, I would not be what I am now. I can’t tell my gratitude enough, however I will be a person who can return the kindness of ESI program. In the future, I would like to ask VIA to come to Japan to hold an interesting event with me and give new opportunities to students, I am looking forward to working with VIA again!! Thank you for your kindness.
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