Notes from the President

A graduation ceremony and an entrance ceremony. In the space of just 2 short weeks we farewell students as they embark on life after APU, and then welcome in a new batch of freshmen.

This changeover happens at APU twice a year and is a time when we can feel the university pumping with vitality and energy. With this happening in both Spring and Fall, it’s only natural that APU is such an energetic place.
Like other years, this year’s graduates came to APU from around Japan and around the globe, by bus and by bicycle, by boat, horse and camel (OK, so perhaps not by horse or camel but it would be very cool if they did. This is APU after all.), and of course finally by airplane. All of these students spent the same number of years together, living and studying under the fine blue skies of Beppu city.

Chance meetings of the most global variety don’t you think!

I imagine there were a lot of students fully prepared for their graduation. Then there would have been some shaking their heads and wondering how graduation snuck up on them, as they got gently pushed out to the waiting world. Unfortunately there were also some students that didn’t quite make it. But, whether it’s now, or in a year or two, be excited over how far you have come. Don’t be disappointed.

Indeed, graduation is a major turning point on the road to a new chapter in your life and the first step you take on that road is very important. However, it is also vital to take another look at yourself in 10 years time, to see how far along you have come in what you set out to achieve. The APU graduates I have met recently taught me the importance of this.!

There are some graduates who have travelled and studied around the world and worked in a number of different companies, and then there are graduates who have stayed in the same company and in the same country. Some have even started their own businesses. I hope that all the current and new APU students can learn from the diverse lives of their sempai. On a 10 year scale of course.!

Who said “If it is life to say ‘goodbye’, why spring has come again?” Even after saying goodbye, spring will always come again. And so will fall, for that matter. Whether you are happy, or so sad you feel like you can’t cope, spring will come round again.