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
Master's studies require many initiatives from yourself in finding information about campus activities, activities outside the study, research materials, and initiatives to always improve research.
Initiative
I have no background in Economics and it was quite new for me. I had to work extra hard to bridge the gap. I met my classfellows outside the classes, discussed their routines, study patterns, strengths and weaknesses. This way i was able to offer them help in my strong areas and vice versa. This practice not only develope team work in us but also we built a strong bond of mutual care and respect.
Teamwork
My junior encountered a problem: he didn’t know how to use microcontrollers. It reminded me of when I was starting out—I also didn’t know much about them and had no one to ask for help. Back then, I spent a lot of time learning on my own. Now that I can help others, I explained the most basic concepts to him and introduced some learning materials and useful websites. This helped him quickly get a grasp of microcontrollers. He was very grateful, and I felt happy that I could help him.
Empathy
My understanding skills going up because I start to study on the different language as well as meet a lot of new topics which should understand and analyze.
Understanding
When I was studying for my final exams, I set specific goals on what to study that day and how much. Every night I reflected on how I did, and set improved plans for the next day to study more efficiently.
Initiative
Since I am currently studying in the IB course, I get a lot of assignments, and oftentimes, it is difficult to balance out my studies with the other activities that I do outside of school. However, after experimenting with different studying methods, I began to be better at balancing out my work. I also learned to give up on some things to make time for the other things that I need to prioritize.
Multitasking
I have a goal to work in Japan after graduating from Ritsumeikan University, so I am doing my best to improve my Japanese skills. Since I enrolled in an English-based program, balancing my laboratory work with Japanese self-study has been quite challenging. Despite my busy schedule, I am making an effort to attend Japanese classes offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences. As a doctoral student, it isn't easy to juggle research commitments with my Japanese learning. However, with the support of my lab mates and faculty staff, I believe that achieving my goal is possible. Last July, I challenged myself to take the JLPT test for N2 level; unfortunately, I did not pass. I was frustrated by the result because I missed passing by just 2 points. Everyone encouraged me to focus on the future and not dwell on past failures. So, I continued to seek more Japanese classes and eventually discovered a business Japanese course provided by Kyoto City. In this class, I encountered many new words that I had rarely heard before, along with valuable lessons in business manners. After joining this class, I resolved to take the JLPT test again in December 2024, though I am still waiting for the test results. In conclusion, no matter how many times I fail, I will keep striving to achieve my goal.
Resilience
I have tried to understand the fundamental of things from the first principle since I was in the Graduate School.
Understanding
Before studying economics here in the university, i had very general view of economic realities of the world. Studying economics here in university helped me look at those realities from a cause-effect perspective. This thinking made me think that i have acquired this competency.
Understanding