Episode
The eight competencies developed at Ritsumeikan Academy.
We introduce how they are developed through daily experiences, along with diverse episodes.
*These episodes are based on responses actually submitted by students at every level of education—including elementary, junior high, and high school students, as well as university and graduate students—in the Quantitative Survey for Ritsumeikan Academy Competency Framework conducted in the 2024 academic year. Information that could identify individuals has been removed or modified before publication.
Competency
Episode
- Classes
- StudyAbroad
- ExtracurricularActivities
- ClubsAndSocieties
- StudyingOutsideOfClass
- Research
- SchoolEvents
- ExtracurricularLessons
- Community
- Family
- FriendsAndPeers
- TeachersAndMentors
- Goals
- Effort
- Achievement
- Growth
- Collaboration
- SeekingAdvice
- GivingUp
- Worries
- Happiness
- Anxiety
- Confidence
- Change
- EntranceExamsAndQualifications
- JobHuntingAndInternships
- PartTimeJobs
During the Covid pandemic, I was the member secretary to the District Covid Taskforce. I was heading a small secretariat group working on the formulation of contingency plans, situational documentation, etc. That was the moment I feel we had the greatest teamwork which made things go smoothly.
Teamwork
I think the second greatest degree is Teamwork. Now, I am living in BKC I-house and there are a lot of events here. Therefore, it requires to work together and understand each other. For example, there is a winter party today. Some I-house residents including me are asked to cook food or dessert from our own country. Thus, we discuss and help each other to conduct this event. Besides, we also discuss with each other about the next event and so on.
Teamwork
Communicating with people from different backgrounds on campus
Empathy
I’ve realized that everyone is dealing with their own struggles, even if we can’t see what’s going on in their lives. That understanding has taught me how important it is to be empathetic. When you take the time to be there for someone and show them support, it can make such a difference. Being empathetic means helping people feel seen, loved, and understood, even in their toughest moments. It’s about creating a positive space where they know they’re not alone. I’ve found that showing a little kindness and understanding goes a long way—not just in making others feel better but also in making the world a brighter, more positive place for everyone.
Empathy
I developed my teamwork skills during a project in Thailand in my second year (2023) as part of the CRPS program. This project required our team to immerse ourselves in a local community, identify pressing issues, and devise solutions. At the start, choosing a focus was challenging because each team member had different ideas. To address this, we held regular meetings to reach a consensus on a direction we all supported. The challenges intensified once we arrived in Thailand, specifically in the Klong Toey slum, where we conducted our survey. Collaborating effectively was essential for gathering and analyzing data, as well as presenting our findings. Though disagreements arose frequently, our shared commitment to helping the community kept us on track. Together, we proposed a solution to help the community address fire safety issues. This experience highlighted how essential teamwork is in achieving meaningful impact.
Teamwork
empathy when helping others during times of need.
Empathy
As I want to work with wildlife or contribute to support nature, i took initiative to apply for internships or volunteer work at farms, vet clinics, sea animal conservation centers, animal shelters, and animal adoption events.
Initiative
During my final year of high school, I volunteered as a mentor in our school’s peer support program, working with younger students facing academic and social challenges. One student struggled with feelings of isolation and self-doubt, initially finding it hard to open up. By actively listening, reflecting their emotions, and imagining their perspective, I built trust and created a safe space for them to express themselves. Over time, they grew more confident, and seeing their progress reinforced the importance of empathy in fostering meaningful connections. This experience not only helped the student but also deepened my understanding of others and myself, making empathy a lifelong skill I strive to nurture.
Empathy
When I'm working at the elderly home.
Empathy