Student Voices 2027 #008 Faculty of Policy Management

What attracted me to the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University while choosing a university was the breadth of the fields available for study and the depth of each of those fields. I had a wide range of interests. It wasn't just economics; it was urban planning, environmental issues, and things that didn't fit into a single specific field. For me, the possibility of cross-disciplinary learning was very appealing.

A major feature of research activities here is the existence of "Seminars" (Kenkyukai). At SFC, students can join a seminar starting from their first year*. The idea is to deepen the knowledge gained in classes and the interests that arise from them through the seminars, and then decide what you want to do. Furthermore, seminars are a place to develop your strengths. Currently, I am conducting research on urban planning, utilizing my experience in regional revitalization activities with an NPO. My goal is to compile a detailed report on the regional revitalization of my hometown in Kagawa Prefecture.

At SFC, as can be seen from the essay in the General Admissions (see p. 137), I believe that the ability to communicate your own opinions to others is what is required. I felt this strongly in the classes after enrollment. In group discussions, I was surprised by the way everyone had firm opinions and actively participated in the debate.

Also, many students at SFC start their own businesses, and I think a major reason for this is the Curriculum, which allows students to freely assemble their own way of learning. I believe that constructing a learning path that allows for the effective use of time creates the leeway that serves as a catalyst for taking a new step forward.

As for extracurricular activities, I belong to the executive committee of the Tanabata Festival (p. 156), the school festival at SFC, and serve as the Executive Director, the student-side organizer. While it is a school festival, the Tanabata Festival also has the aspect of a local summer festival and is a grand event held with the support of Fujisawa City.

Since students lead an event on a scale incomparable to a high school cultural festival—complete with fireworks at night—the sense of fulfillment is immense. Additionally, I believe the experience of handling communications to request sponsorships and leading an organization of hundreds of people will be of great use in the future.

When I was in high school, I felt the educational disparity between urban and regional areas, particularly the lack of options for higher education in the regions. Based on this awareness, I am involved in activities to share student voices with prospective students from regional areas who are aiming for Keio University. So far, I have participated in the joint Waseda-Keio information session held in my hometown of Takamatsu and the SFC information session at the Osaka City Campus.

I want all of you to become able to verbalize what you are thinking. That will become the power to communicate your opinions to others, which will help you both in your entrance exams and after you enroll. The effort you have put in over so much time will never go to waste. Please keep working hard until the end with conviction. I'm rooting for you.

This article was published in the university guide for prospective students, "Guidebook 2027."

The latest guidebook is available as a PDF or digital pamphlet. Please check the "Guidebook" webpage.