On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the fifth alumni guest speaker lecture was held as part of the "IM Sogo" class for second-year students in the IM Course at Ritsumeikan Uji High School.

Facing Your Future Self in “IM Sogo”

In the IM Course, all students participate in a one-year overseas study program from the first to second year of high school. After returning, they take the weekly “IM Sogo” class to reflect on what they learned abroad and consider their future paths.

This semester’s theme is “Expand Your Horizons.” The course aims to help students form their aspirations through new encounters and experiences. As part of this, alumni and professionals from various fields are invited to speak, providing students with inspiration for their future.

An Entrepreneur Shares the Importance of “Valuing the Present”

This time, the guest was Ms. Akari Omiya, a 2017 graduate of the IM Course. After studying at the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University, she founded a company called Trekwood LLC in March 2025. She shared her journey from high school to entrepreneurship.

Ms. Omiya’s stories of the worries she had during high school about her path and daily life deeply resonated with the current students. Knowing that even a successful alumna once faced similar concerns gave them encouragement.

“The business I’m doing now was built on all the ‘materials’ I’ve gathered—my experiences and skills. That’s why, even if you don’t yet know what you want to do, it’s important to focus on what’s in front of you now.” Her words left a lasting impression on the students.

“Dots” Will Eventually Connect Into “Lines”

This was the fifth guest speaker lecture in the IM Sogo course. While each speaker’s experiences differ, they all share a common message: the seemingly unrelated “dots” of experience eventually connect into meaningful “lines.”

Student Reflections

The IM Course will continue to welcome diverse guest speakers, creating opportunities for students to shape their own futures.