Student Spotlight: Runa, Japan
Student Spotlight interview with Runa, Student Ambassador from Japan and leader of the HGS Chess Club this past semester.
Listen to the interview here.
Tell Us a Bit About Yourself
My name is Runa. I’m 16 years old, and I will be in 11th grade next month. I am studying from Tokyo, Japan.
What Are You Interested in Right Now?
I am very interested in music. I play the saxophone in my school orchestra, and right now I’m practicing for a concert that will take place on a Saturday later this month.
What Kind of Music Do You Enjoy Playing?
I basically like classical music, but I also enjoy playing pop songs on the saxophone.
What Do You Do Outside of School?
I do not really participate in many activities outside of school, but I play the piano just for fun. I also play chess as a hobby.
How Did You Learn to Play the Piano?
I used to take piano lessons, but now I am learning by myself.
How Did You Get Into Chess?
At first, my father introduced me to chess, and I became interested in it. Now I participate in the Chess Club in the HGS Community, and I enjoy playing chess there.
What Is the Most Challenging Part of Managing Two Academic Systems?
I think the hardest part is managing the workload and assignments from two different systems at the same time. Sometimes assignments overlap, so I have to plan carefully and stay organized to keep up with everything.
How Do You Stay Organized?
I use a scheduling and planning program, along with my course syllabi, to help me stay organized.
What Is an Advantage of Earning a Dual Diploma?
I don't know if everyone realizes it, but one advantage is that you can study subjects that are not usually offered in Japanese schools, such as Business, Art Appreciation, and Marine Science.
Because of that, I feel it helps expand my options and interests when thinking about my future.
What Is Most Different About Hudson Global Scholars?
One of the biggest differences is the variety of courses. There are so many courses that I had never heard of before, and that is a major difference compared to my local school.
What Skill Have You Improved the Most?
The skill I have improved the most is, of course, my English communication. My English still isn't perfect, but through this program, I have become much more confident in expressing my ideas and communicating with people from different countries.
How Do You Handle Pressure?
When I feel pressure, I try to prepare as much as I can in advance so that I feel more confident. At the same time, I remind myself that even if I fail, it is not the end of my life.
Thinking that way helps me stay calm and keep going.
Why Did You Become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador because I wanted to connect with students from around the world and become more involved in activities outside of school.
I also wanted to challenge myself and build more confidence by communicating, leading, and working with others.
Why Did You Start the Chess Club?
The reason I am running the Chess Club is simple—I like chess.
Actually, not many people in Japan play chess, but people in many other countries do. I thought it would be a great way to connect with people from all over the world through a shared interest.
How Have You Grown Since Joining Hudson Global Scholars?
Since starting this program, I have become more independent and more open to communicating with people from different backgrounds.
It has also given me the chance to learn about different cultures, which has changed the way I see the world and how I interact with others.
What Advice Would You Give Other Students?
I would especially like to encourage Japanese students. I would like to tell them to be confident in their opinions and when communicating with others.
I think Japanese people are often shy and may hesitate to communicate or discuss their ideas. However, I believe that sharing your ideas with others is very important.
Even if you are not confident in your English skills, there are many ways to communicate your thoughts. So be confident and share your opinions with others.