Thinking About 'The Expertise of One's Own Perspective' | Manabiba Student Staff Interview

What is Manabiba to Ryu?

――Ryu, thank you for joining us! First of all, what kind of place is Manabiba to you?

For me, I think it's a space where I receive the spark for learning and growth!

Why did you join Manabiba?

――I see, well then, I'd like to ask you a few things! First of all, why did you decide to participate in Manabiba?

I had never been to Hokkaido, and honestly, I just thought, I want to go to Hokkaido! (laughs). Although I was involved in educational projects in my hometown, I wasn't doing it very proactively. So, I decided to participate with the mindset of
I want to do something on my own!!

――I see, that's honest. (laughs) Hokkaido has great scenery and food, too. (laughs)

What was an impressive experience you had at Manabiba?

――So, what was an impressive experience for you at Manabiba?

Well, I suppose it was being able to try engaging with students in a way I hadn't before. It was when I first participated in Manabiba; there was a student who was worried about high school entrance exams. But since I didn't have an experience I could call a successful exam, I felt I couldn't really give the student advice. So, I was feeling conflicted, wondering if I should leave it to other staff members. I shared those thoughts during the evening reflection. Then, a professional staff member told me,

Why don't you try engaging with the student using 'your own expertise'? I was told.

――I see. What do you mean by 'your own expertise'?

To put it another way, it might be 'the expertise of one's own perspective'. Other staff members might have more expertise regarding exam experience and knowledge, but I realized that
'the expertise of my own perspective'—what I felt and thought after listening to the student's worries—is something only I have! After receiving those words, I decided to face that student. I might not have been able to provide a miracle cure, but I think I was able to stand by the student and convey my own thoughts. I thought that was really great!

――I see, so even if you aren't particularly knowledgeable about something, there is an 'own perspective' you can share with students precisely because you aren't. I feel like that applies to everyone, including myself!

What did you gain at Manabiba?

――Then, is there anything you feel you gained at Manabiba?

Well, in addition to the 'own perspective' I mentioned earlier, I think it's the importance of reflecting on one's own actions. At Manabiba,
because the interaction with students is free, it is truly important to think about things for yourself. I feel like it's left up to each university student to decide 'what would I do,' so you inevitably spend time continuing to think. I had many experiences where I could reflect and exchange opinions with other university students and connect that to the next step.

How is your experience at Manabiba being applied to your life?

――Indeed, you do reflect a lot. Is there anything from your experience at Manabiba that you are applying to your daily life?

Well, I've been spending my time lately trying to consciously put my values into words from my daily life.

――Articulating your own values?

While I felt that having "my own perspective" at Manabiba was important, I realized that I hadn't actually articulated it very well. I think we consider our "own perspectives" during Manabiba sessions through evening reflections and the like, but it's more about doing that on a daily basis. That's how I'm refining it!
So, I've started reflecting on my actions and keeping a diary every day in my daily life.

――I see! So you're trying to incorporate reflection not just during Manabiba, but in your daily life as well.

Who would you recommend this to?

――Now, finally, who would you recommend Manabiba to?

Well, whether you're interested in education or not, if you want to take on new challenges or be inspired by those around you, I'd love for curious people like that to join!

――We definitely want curious people to come! Thank you, Ryu!