Planning Our Next Steps & Reflecting Presently

Today was a day full of expectations and nerves over having to present our Action Plans to many supporters of the TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program and showcase that this program is a reciprocal one. We started working on our Action Plan the day before we were supposed to present so we could utilize the time allotted for the workshop to focus more on finishing touches and practicing the presentation full out. I was a part of the group that would be describing the zine: how we would be able to distribute and let the Loyola Marymount campus know our experience for the days that we've been here and the impact it has had on us. It's quite a difficult job especially since we have the privilege of being able to experience Japan firsthand, however, I believe that this zine will inspire many people who read it to learn more, as well as desire to one day venture to Japan and learn as we did.

At our Reporting Session Closing Ceremony!

Acutally, presenting in front of so many people was really nerve-racking and seeing the people before me present really upped the pressure becuase everyone presented so clearly and passionately that I was afraid I would ruin the momentum (due to my nervousness). When it was finally my group's turn, I had managed to calm myself enough to present my portion of the presentation without issue, howerver, even after the presentation was over, I still could not relax. For som reason, both myself and some of my group members were a little disappointed in ourselves, not due to our project idea, but rather the fact that we felt we could have practiced more and better designed our presentaitons like the Pomona students did. It was not until Professor Rooks stated that he was proud and impressed with all of our presentations that I was able to breathe a bit more easily and allow myself to feel accomplished and proud of the work myself and all of us did.

The pressure did not completely dissipate, however, because after our presentation, we were immediately prepped to meet the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, ERI Arfiya. We listened to her speak about her experience as a Parliamentary member and her specific views on issues that she wished to work on. She was very charismatic and captivating as she spoke. She was genuinely interested in our experience in Japan, as well as passionate about her role as a House Representative and the impact that she can have on the country.

Hearing her talk about how she wishes to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as how she wants everyone in Japan to be represented through their House Representative really made me think about American Politics: Do I truly connect with my representative? Do I feel their re-election would be beneficial to my views and beliefs?

Overall, listening to the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs speak and reporting our Action Plan made me more conscious of my bigger role in the TOMODACHI Scholars Program and made me desire for others to experience what I have experienced through this life changing experience. While there was some pressure and expectations put on us that, at times, felt overwhelming, I can confidently say that I am proud of all that my LMU and Pomona Scholars achieved in the reporting session, as well as the experience with discussing with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. I truly believe that we will be able to accomplish what this project was set to initiate: a better understanding between Americans and Japanese for a better world.