The most impressive GP experience for me was the Hawaii Nanzan Short Exchange Program. What I was able to learn most was leadership from the preparation for this program. When we started making plans in the first meeting, we had difficulties with sharing thoughts with other people because the 10 members did not know each other well so we hesitated to speak up. At first, I was not good at taking a leadership position. I did not know what I should do in meetings and what I could do for other members as a senior. I tried not to think I was a leader. I tried hard to think how to get everyone to talk and share their thoughts freely. As we had meetings several times, I tried to get everyone to talk at least once and this helped to break the silence. In addition, I thought it is important to know what each member really thought and wanted to do. I talked to each member personally and was able to know what they really felt. After that, we were able to plan the events much faster. Thanks to all my experiences in GP, I was able to learn and practice my way of taking a leadership position. I believe caring about all members and encouraging them to participate in meetings, activities etc. is the best way.

by Yumi K.