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
I was conscripted into the Korean military for 18 months. I am Korean American and an American citizen therefor I am not necessarily obligated to enlist. However, I chose to do so to overcome my personal limitations regarding adaptation and better myself as an overall individual. It was during service where I truly learned the rewards of trying your best. I was able to overcome my personal limitations and after discharge (with flying colors) I had some time to self reflect and figure out the base of my issues in life. With the skill sets and mentality I had obtained from the military, I am now doing much better in my academia and everyday life.
Resilience
I am currently in my final year of studies at Ritsumeikan, and I am doing job-hunting at the moment. I have applied to many companies, have not heard back from majority of them, and gotten rejected by those that I went for an interview with. Despite that, I never gave up and I am still continuing my job hunt as I am determined to stay in Japan. After each unsuccessful attempt in finding a job, I would always reflect on what I did, and how I can improve myself in my next interview opportunity. I am also working harder than ever, finding jobs on all platforms possible, and trying to network with new people, which is something that I have never done before in the past. Albeit still not having land a job yet, I can see that there is a gradual improvement in myself throughout these few months as I am becoming a stronger person while learning new things about myself and the world.
Resilience
It is a trait i have acquired from my home. I know and understand with effort, results show themselves. So, there is no need to doubt myself.
Self-efficacy
Since I'm an international student, I'm basically living alone in Japan with no family or relatives. The first 6 months after coming to Japan, I went through the adjustment phases which was challenging and sometimes exhausting both physically and mentally. I started to understand that self-assurance by understanding yourself is a very important part in facing problems in life. My interest in psychology basically helped me in reaching self-efficacy.
Self-efficacy
My grade for Spring 2024 was not the best, especially after getting a high GPA the previous semester (Fall 2023). My life basically dropped for a few days, but from that fall down, I started to feel more motivated and reflective of my life. I decided that rather than focusing on the bad things I should instead avert my mind towards the positive things and change my perspectives. I remember one quote; "don't focus on the past or you'll miss the future." So, I decided to move on and do my best, and even if I fail that just mean that I have to try again.
Resilience
To begin with the explanation, during my first semester at Ritsumeikan, as an international student I was in a brand new country with most of the work both curricular and non-curricular in my hands entirely. This was kind of overwhelming to begin with and alongside studies it made it a time management nightmare. But during my second semester, even though I have more work and research work compared to the first, my time management skill has improved and I've also gotten familiar with the city and the surrounding environment. In this case, the primary competency that I've gained would be Multitasking.
Multitasking
I started believing more of myself, knowing what I can do and what i can't do. This made me realize self value and it made it me doing task much easier.
Self-efficacy
It was more like an overall feeling that I have managed things better
Self-efficacy
In Ritsumeikan University, I had the opportunity to attend few cross cultural interactive courses. Here, I had classmates who only speak Japanese with very little English whereas, I am still learning very basic Japanese. Due to the language barrier, at the beginning, I found it difficult to cooperate in team activities. However, with the expert guidance of my professors and my classmates, I gradually found a middle ground and was more confident in contributing to the team and class. This opportunity has helped me feel confident while working with people from different cultures and backgrounds which I can use more in my life.
Teamwork