Notes from the President

As you know, APU has a long straight road running through the middle of campus, from APU House right down to Building BII. It is the only route to get to where you are going and so, inevitably, you must pass everyone coming in the opposite direction. It is quite APU-esque.

On January 22nd I had the good fortune of attending the ‘First-year Student Workshop II – Final Presentation’. Along with Professor Hicks, I was called upon to give advice and feedback on final presentations for 7 group projects, chosen from 224 groups. They were all extremely interesting presentations, during which I was impressed by mind-boggling ideas, laughed and even got a little bit emotional. So engrossed was I that it all seemed to finish almost as soon as it had begun.

It’s extraordinary in that each team, made up of both domestic and international students, draws on their English and Japanese abilities. All of the presentations were proof that students work on not being defeated by the problems and discontent often associated with multicultural environments, instead opting to find ways to make these work in their favor. What really stuck out was that the common thread linking all these projects together was that one-on-one was the basis for all communication. In other words, everything starts from facing someone who holds a different and unknown set of values to you, and using words and actions to try and communicate with them. As each student overcomes this challenge, they start to unite, forming teams that exert leadership. It was clear after watching the presentations that these are the kinds of challenges the first-years have started to learn, face and overcome.

Figuring out ‘how to communicate, express oneself, understand each other and cooperate’ is no easy feat. Taking that first step is so important. Even if you aren’t very confident, or can’t get out what you want to say properly, go ahead and face the person you want to talk to. Take that first step and your efforts will be reciprocated. 

And so today, the complex road to multiculturalism once again stretches out straight in front of you.

Related link : NEWS First-Year Student Workshop II Students Give Final Presentations for AY2013