The Last Week

The last couple of days have been amazing in Tokyo... beyond just going out, I've gotten to talk to so many people (both interns and students) even more, making me realize how much I will miss Ashinaga when I leave to go to China and back to America. I remember my biggest regret when I was studying abroad in Beijing was worrying too much, working too hard, and not enjoying every single moment. Instead of anticipating what to do next, I have recently been letting life in Tokyo and in the Kokorujuku just sink in... and it's been great. So note to self: Always YOLO! ;) I am learning so much from talking to the students and the interns (which warrants another post (probably will get emotional) later on).

Today, we had a conference regarding Ashinaga's 100 year education vision and the mission to end poverty. We separated into groups with Tokyo University students and made recommendations for Ashinaga's mission plan. The president judged our responses... and we got 2nd place!

The conference was really good and made me think a lot about my desire to help impoverished societies through education. But at the same time, I became a little bit concerned with Ashinaga's ambition and lack of focus... I felt like by focusing on orphans in Uganda, the original focus of taking care of the orphans in Japan became less of a focal point. I fully support Ashinaga's desire to expand internationally, but I really think that the goals need to be localized first before they become globalized... we'll see what'll happen. I'll try to keep that in mind... to have a "minimum viable product" :].

Again, I'm truly grateful I decided to spend another summer doing something related to education and service. Trust me, it gets really hard to pursue that when you're surrounded by people who work at banks, consulting firms, tech places, etc. But I'm learning more and more about managing non-profits and social entrepreneur and can't wait to start my own project.

Brief recaps:
Thursday - went to a wonderful nomihoudai (all you can drink) in Shinjuku with Ryan (high school friend). IT WAS A FUN ALL NIGHTER. We went to Shibuya afterwards.

Friday - International potluck. Made a lot of awesome desserts!!!

Saturday - We all went out to watch fireworks but the weather was so bad that it was raining like CRAZY. It was still fun.... though. We also spent the whole night at different clubs.

Sunday - Conference and skipped out on all you can drink!