Thinking together about worries and thoughts, creating an extraordinary connection. | Manabiba University Student Staff Interview

What is Manabiba to Hina?

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

A place where I can meet the real me and the real you, I suppose.

――I see. What does that mean?

Well, there were natural opportunities to think about what I 'have' or what I 'want to do' with other students and working professionals at Manabiba, and as I was asked about those things and thought about them, I felt like my understanding of myself deepened. It was quite tough, though! (laughs)

――I see, that's what you mean! How so?

While spending time together at Manabiba, I was suddenly able to show my honest self, and I realized, 'Oh, this is what I was thinking'. That wasn't just for me, but for other students too, and I was happy when they showed their honest selves or unexpected sides.

――So that's what you mean by 'the real me and the real you'.

Why Manabiba?

――Why did you decide to participate in Manabiba, Hina?

At first, I just applied because it seemed fun to be able to work in Hokkaido. (laughs) But I'm originally from a rural area, and
I was interested in the educational gap between rural and urban areas.

――What kind of gap do you think exists?

Well, to put it simply, the difference in available information and choices. In the town where I grew up, there were no cram schools or extracurricular lessons... Also, the only jobs I knew about were those of my family and teachers. But I had a teacher who supported my studies, and that was really good for me.

――Did you learn about the information and choices available in the city somewhere?

Yes, at university. When I entered university and asked my classmates from urban areas, I was shocked that they had had so many experiences like cram schools, lessons, and studying abroad... (laughs) I thought at that time that I wanted to have had various choices and experiences too.

――I see. In terms of environment, it might be similar to the students from Hokkaido who come to Manabiba.

What was an impressive experience for you at Manabiba?

――With that in mind, Hina, is there any experience at Manabiba that left an impression on you?

Yeah, that happens all the time!
I think you're talking about that high school student who wanted to get into a top-tier university.

――What was the story behind that?

The student themselves wanted to go to a top-tier university, but their parents and teachers were telling them, 'Realistically, it's tough.' I had only heard about how hard they were working, but I also got to see them working hard for a short period of time.
So, I felt that the student needed someone to support them.So, in the end, I sent them a message filled with encouragement, and then we both got emotional and cried. (laughs)

――I see, so you were able to support them.

Yeah. But I think that having an extraordinary experience where you are believed in and supported by someone who isn't a teacher, family member, or friend is important. I had a similar experience with a working professional at Manabiba, and it made me feel like I could do my best!

What did you gain at Manabiba?

――I see. So, Hina, is there anything you feel you gained at Manabiba?

Well, for the students, I realized that the presence of someone who engages in extraordinary interactions, like thinking about their worries and thoughts together, is also extremely important. I also thought it was important to consider the 'educational gap between rural and urban areas' (the limited range of information and choices available), and I felt that I would like to become that kind of person. Also, I learned about adults who are working hard in education in rural areas, and

I started to feel a little excited about education in rural areas.

――I see. At Manabiba, you can actually meet and talk with people who are involved in education locally in Hokkaido, after all.

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

――Is there anything from your experience at Manabiba that you feel is being applied to your daily life, Hina?

Yes. I am currently working in a job related to special needs education, and I am doing my best to deliver the extraordinary experiences I gained at Manabiba to my current students! I've started to be able to naturally build those kinds of 'diagonal relationships.' I think that's really great.

――I see. Is there anything else?

Also, at Manabiba, we think a lot about the students and their experiences, right? So, even in my daily life, I feel like
I'm gradually developing the habit of writing down things I want to think about and then thinking about them.

――Is that so! Regarding 'thinking,' I might be the same. I feel like the number of times I think about something in my daily life is increasing.

Who would you like to recommend this to?

――Finally, who would you like to recommend Manabiba to?

People with love and courage!

――Love and courage, got it! Thank you, Hina!