Four High School Students from Tohoku Participate in H-LAB as Part of the TOMODACHI Generation
On August 2014, 160 high school students participated in H-LAB held across three locations in Japan — Tokyo, Obuse City in Nagano prefecture, and Mugi City in Tokushima prefecture. This inspiring program is a nine day educational program that provides Japanese high school students an opportunity to engage in American style liberal arts education. Since its inauguration in 2011, over three hundred H-LAB participants have explored possible future career paths in line with their current interest through discussions with people with diverse backgrounds. The TOMODACHI Initiative has supported H-LAB since 2013, by sending couple of students from Tohoku region as “Tohoku scholars” in hope to add different perspective to the H-LAB community. This year, four Tohoku scholars were selected, who went on to experience an eye opening, life changing summer.
Interacting with their peers and mentors, the high school students explored various academic career that awaits them. This is what makes H-LAB so special. Yamada Mai who participated in Obuse City described her experience as what “expanded her horizon.” By hearing many different background stories and advice, she realized that even applying to liberal arts college in the United States is an option she could consider. Some participants were still in the midst of figuring out a future career they want to pursue, many learned the importance of having a dream that motivates them to strive for the better.
Runa Okuyama, a participant in the Tokyo program noted that “People in H-LAB have different backgrounds, perspectives, and dreams; however, there was one thing that they shared in common… the positive attitude toward pursuing their dream, which motivated me to keep on working hard for my own dream.”
The exposure to such a diverse community also gave high school students the chance to reflect upon their own lives. Kota Oikawa who also participated in the Tokyo program said he realized his strength that he never noticed before. He said that because H-LAB motivated him to step outside of his comfort zone, he realize where his talents and strengths lies. After discovering their strengths, it seemed that many have gained more confidence in themselves. Yuki Mori, one of the four Tohoku scholars said, “By talking with different people, I could express myself and understand myself better. Now I gained confidence in myself and what my future holds. Also, now I like myself better than I ever did before.”
Despite the main focus lies in exploring future academic careers, H-LAB is not only about making them think which university they want to apply. H-LAB not only directs students through their academic career, but it leaves a long lasting impact on each of the participants’ lives. For everyone including the Tohoku scholars, H-LAB encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone and exposed them to new opportunities that lies ahead and made this summer an unforgettable one for each of them.
