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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.

So far I have attended lectures well and done research according to the advice of sensei. My research experienced an increase in progress and positive response during the research project seminar. Although I haven't received my grades yet but I'm grateful I got a good study.

Resilience

In my first semester at Ritsumeikan, a professor from Ritsumeikan University has helped me to realize the importance of putting myself in other shoes while doing research, especially one related to humanity and human right

Empathy

I have been in an all-English-speaking environment for only 3 years. However, many of my classmates have spoken English for almost their entire life. Because of this, when I first started the IB program at the Ritsumeikan Uji, I felt like I was failing every class. However, after getting used to this new environment, and getting the support from my teachers, I slowly began to build confidence in some of my classes.

Resilience

My greatest teacher told me to continue plugging away because’ it's great.

Understanding

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

The research works provided by my supervisor help enhance my understanding as well as time management skills to finish it on time.

Resilience

I came here because I heard that the lab I joined focused on game development, but what I found was that it's very tough for someone with a weak foundation like me. Luckily, I met a good senior who taught me the content of the slides one-on-one. After the senior graduated, I was able to cope with my feelings and the seminar content, including the pressure from the teacher.

Resilience

During group projects in a class, I took last semester with classmates. We work well with each other by firstly scheduling our work time together, considering our busy schedules and conveniences. Then, decide on each person's role or separate work responsibility and brainstorm how to deliver the presentation together. To ensure that the work is in good progress, we keep clear communication and ask among ourselves when any question arises and think of a way to tackle it together. After the group work is finished, we gain good feedback from the professor and other classmates. As a self-reflection, working on a task together also deepened our friendship.

Teamwork

Over the past year, I've grown in my ability to understand things scientifically through lab seminars at the Intelligence Computer Entertainment Laboratory under my professor. These weekly gatherings exposed me to diverse research topics and methodologies in computer science. I learned to analyze experimental designs critically, interpret data, and question assumptions. Discussions with fellow students and faculty sharpened my analytical skills. Presenting my work forced me to explain complex concepts and defend my approaches clearly. This regular practice of scientific thinking and communication has deeply enhanced my competency in this area.

Understanding