On the Occasion of Spring Departures
Thursday, March 19th was the graduation ceremony. Students from the Arts Management Course have also flown the nest from Showa University of Music. First of all, to all the graduates, congratulations. Among them, I would like to write a little about F-san and D-san, whom I sent off from the Nakao Seminar.
F-san was a student who always left an impression with her bright and wonderful smile. However, I believe her true greatness lay in the strength of character hidden beneath her kindness. When her project was selected as a finalist in the 'Planning and Production Seminar II' (a class where students actually realize concerts they have planned), her desire to 'definitely make this happen!' came to the forefront. After that, her dream came true and the project was adopted, but the path from there was by no means smooth sailing. Yet, she never ran away when things got tough, and she stood her ground; she had a way of facing forward no matter how many times she hit a wall. Instead of pushing others aside to get ahead, she quietly took responsibility for her own actions and saw things through to the end... that demeanor was truly beautiful. Watching F-san, I was taught once again that human growth is 'not looking away from the reality that things aren't going well, and each time, renewing one's resolve to move forward.'
D-san came to this university from China, and amidst different languages and cultures, she sincerely built up her experience one step at a time. When I look back on her, the first thing that comes to mind is her 'straightforwardness.' She would listen carefully to what others had to say, honestly translate her desire to learn into action, and turn it into her own strength through diligent effort... it sounds simple, but it is not something easily done. In an unfamiliar land, there must have been many unseen anxieties. Even so, I was moved many times by D-san's figure as she continued to move forward with dedication, never forgetting her smile. Although I was supposed to be the one interacting with her as a teacher, there were many times when I was the one being encouraged by her.
It goes without saying, but students do not grow only on the day they graduate. I believe that through casual remarks, frustrating events, and times that seemed unrewarding, their individuality is polished little by little. F-san and D-san both had many such moments. And it is because of that accumulation that the two of you are who you are today.
When working as a teacher, I sometimes find myself assuming that 'I am the one teaching.' But in reality, I realize that there is much more to be learned from the earnest efforts of the students. F-san taught me the 'strength that is born when a person has resolve.' D-san taught me the 'preciousness of continuing to make earnest efforts.' I am truly proud that the two of you were in the Nakao Seminar.
And, of course, these feelings are not directed only at these two. Each and every one of you who graduated this year had your own efforts and your own stories. Even if it wasn't visible from the outside, I believe everyone walked until this day while facing their own challenges. I would like to send my heartfelt respect and congratulations to all the graduates.
Once again, congratulations to F-san, D-san, and everyone in the Arts Management Course on your graduation.
The time you spent at the university will remain as precious footprints that will never fade. The painful things, the hard work, and the happy moments—all of these will surely support you in the future.
And for me, the time I spent with the two of you, and with all the fourth-year students, is a treasure. Please come back to visit the university anytime. I'll be waiting.
※Postscript
Due to space limitations, I only covered the two seminar students in detail, but I have sent individual congratulatory messages to all graduates of this course.