HADUSH RODAS GEBREEGZIABHER｜Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

My dream is to become a leader who empowers women through business, utilizing my knowledge and skills to bring positive change and improve my community. The people of my country have been in need of help from the traumatic experience of war, especially women who face rape, sexual assault, and neglect from society. I want to heal those scars and empower these and many more women by providing a permanent solution, unlike just fundraising.

After my graduation, I aim to open a business of import and export, which will enlarge the supply chain bridge between Japan and Ethiopia. A business that involves more than just product exchanges but adapts to each other's systems and culture, for example, the Kaizen changes in management. This Japanese philosophy can help society not only in the workplace but also on an individual level. I believe both nations have much to offer one another in terms of culture and products ; raw materials like coffee , mango , opal, and lithium can be exported from Ethiopia , as there is a high demand in Japan for these items and for finished high - quality products from Japan.

To fulfill this dream, I am working on enhancing my Japanese skills and broadening my network by participating in different activities, which I believe will help me connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and expand my opportunities and ideas while promoting multicultural understanding . This is necessary to create a more peaceful and harmonious world for the next generation. I plan to make my business not just about income but also to reduce man-made problems like war caused by insignificant reasons such as racism -a mix of economic growth with social responsibility, cultivating a brighter future for all of us.

While I'm at APU, I plan to use every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. By utilizing APU's important international environment, I expect to learn about others' cultures, norms, values, beliefs, and lifestyles while balancing and sharing my own and fostering strong relationships. I expect to satisfy my curiosity by immersing myself in Japan's culture and learning new things. I want to explore and experience the lifestyle of Japan and decipher their worldviews. Additionally, I want to undertake internships, join clubs, participate in activities , and pursue part- time jobs in order to enhance my communication skills, adaptability, problem-solving abilities , time management, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, and become a better version of myself. However, while focusing on self-improvement is important, I believe taking care of oneself and having fun is just as essential . This is why I want to maximize my university life at APU while balancing academics and relaxation.
#3 Living in Japan has been an extraordinary experience for me. My time here has been peaceful and filled with opportunities for learning and self-improvement -not just academically but also culturally - enhancing my point of view. I have seen both the positive and challenging sides of Japan. The discipline, respect, and work ethic rooted in Japanese society have profoundly influenced me , prompting me to adopt and utilize these qualities in my own life. However, the gender inequality and harsh workplace conditions have made me empathetic towards the people and helped me understand why Japanese individuals often appear to be tired.

I have encountered both positive and challenging aspects at APU as well. The strong sense of responsibility and hardworking senpais ignite a good motive. The open-mindedness and willingness to help from club members have created an environment that has been pivotal for me. While navigating this multicultural setting , I have come to appreciate the difficulties of building strong relationships while maintaining my own values. This lesson has been eye-opening, and I believe I will continue to learn more. Ironically, while the multicultural environment provided valuable lessons , I also sometimes found it challenging. The same differing values and beliefs at APU that taught me lessons have, in some ways, created a barrier to communication, testing my patience and resilience.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the donors who have made my education possible without financial concerns. Your generosity has given me the chance to pursue my education with enthusiasm . It has also become a motivating factor to work harder and achieve excellent grades. Your support is not just an investment in my future but also in the world of difference I hope to create . Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to take the first step toward my dream of building a better future.