Welcoming Back and Sending Off TOMODACHI Sumitomo Scholarship Recipients
On June 12, 2015, the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholars Post-Presentation and Award Ceremony brought together the 2014 and 2015 scholars and the sponsors of the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program at Sumitomo Corporation’s Headquarters in Tokyo.
The inaugural cohort of Sumitomo scholars were recognized for their study abroad achievements at their respective universities in the United States. Ayaka Ogita, who studied at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, spoke about how studying abroad has changed her vision of the future. After seeing how much value the Hawaiian people placed on their local history, she now seeks to contribute to her own community and country, particularly in the Tohoku region. Kazunari Tanabe, who spent a year at Carnegie Mellon University, returned with exceptional knowledge in mathematics and economics, and with a greater passion for working outside of Japan to foster U.S.-Japan relations. Yukako Hirakawa returned from the University of Wisconsin Madison with greater communication skills, critical thinking skills, and a newfound appreciation for learning from mistakes to develop a “stronger human spirit.”
Minister-Counsellor of Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, Ms Margot Carrington, reflected on the presentations made by returning scholars with the words: “I think your goals for going forward for the future of the U.S.-Japan relationship is music to my ears. I worry that we don’t have enough young people with that enthusiasm to go to the U.S., to build that bridge between our countries. And I feel a lot more relieved now that there are people like you who took part in the program and I know your successors will follow in your footsteps.”
Following their presentations, the five recipients of the 2015-2016 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship received their award certificates from U.S.-Japan Council President, Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, and Sumitomo Corporation Managing Executive Officer, Mr. Masao Tabuchi. Ms. Hirano Inouye then commented on how impressed she was with the continued growth of the inaugural cohort over the year, and on her excitement for the newest cohort of student ambassadors to represent Japan while studying abroad. In addition, Mr. Tabuchi highlighted the importance of cultivating global human resources and next generation leaders. He expressed his determination as he stated, “It is not an easy task but we want to take on the challenge and support the leaders through the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program.”
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Messages from 2014 Scholarship Recipients to 2015 Scholarship Recipients
Kazunari Tanabe
“Right now, you may be anxious about the study abroad or have many things to prepare for the fall. One thing that I can tell you as an advice is to make clear what you want to do in the U.S. and envision how you want yourself to be after a whole year of studying abroad. I believe that will make your experience more valuable. Good luck!”
Yukako Hirakawa
“Study abroad comes to an end faster than you think. That is all the more reason for why you should always keep in mind where your goals are. Keep striving toward your goals and spend a fulfilling year in the U.S.! Wishing you the best of luck.”
Ayaka Ogita
“As Yukako said, one year is shorter than you think. Also for me, it was like experiencing freshman year for the second time. You start out knowing nothing about the environment, and by the time you’ve gotten used to the academics and extracurricular activities and maybe planning to start something new, it might well be the end of the spring semester! So always keep in mind what you want to achieve during the study abroad and be open to all kinds of information for various opportunities. Good luck!”
