Ritsumeikan Academy
Competency Framework Special Website

To understand oneself is a very difficult thing to do. While it is important to reflect on one's behavior, it cannot be done too often, as rumination is damaging to mental health. Thus, it is important to have lived experiences, and spend a minority of the time reflecting. However, this time reflecting is crucial to understanding yourself. When I first came to Japan, I was 22 years old. I didn't know much about the country or life in general, but I said "yes" to almost every opportunity I had. Because I did this, I had a lot of content to reflect on. When living in a foreign country, you must push yourself. When you push yourself, you can learn a lot about who you are and your limits after reflecting on your experiences.

I learned this during my first year of study when I was really stressed out in this lab. However, with the support of the student support room, seniors, and my family, I was able to calm down and realize that my stress was caused by trying to please my professors and doing things I didn't like. After I understood this, I started working as much as I could and focused on doing what I was good at.

Learning analytical methodologies and literature reviews based on the area of my research focuses.

I could finish writing 4 research papers during two years. Mostly I worked independently.

I do not want to share the specific situation or occasion, but I want to express that the support and belief I received from my professor, assistant professor, and one of the administrative staff were truly invaluable. Thanks to their encouragement, I have recovered from my frustration and can believe in myself again.

I had gotten my journal submissions rejected three times, and learned through self-reflection, retrospection and analysis, how to change my approach and my plan in order to produce work of a sufficient level to get accepted by an appropriate academic journal.

Before coming to APU, I always felt like I needed someone to lead me and I could not complete the task alone. However, when I had experience with both group work and individual work, I found out that I can work more efficiently independently as I can decide things based on my judgment. I gain more self-respect and self-esteem.

After the military if I hadn't engaged in self reflection, I would not have learned at all. Granted, I would have left with good memories and a tick on my checklist of milestones, but the overall point of enlisting was not just to overcome my limitations, but to understand and learn the method of doing so. I would have never been able to utilize my newly obtained skills if not for the self reflection I've done right after discharge.

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.