Personal Learning Experience 

I liked art class throughout my elementary and middle school years. When painting still life, the art teacher suggested using white to represent the spot reflecting light. A white dot made the two-dimensional apple into a three-dimensional, becoming alive in my eyes. It was such a moment that a small change made a big difference. Recognizing the contrast between light and shade was one of the learning targets in art class, in retrospect. 

After years, I still use the concept whenever I draw.

Why I remember this: learning was a process of discovery.

While my mother tongue is Japanese, I majored in Chinese in foreign studies during my college years. I joined a cohort studying in Tianjin and immersed myself not only in language but also in the environment and culture of China. The language was a matter of everyday tools and necessary to communicate with teachers, Chinese students, and Korean roommates. 

I learned Chinese because it is the second most-spoken language next to English. My dream was to be able to work internationally, and I thought being fluent in major languages was key to opening doors.

Why I remember this: The learning occurred in immersion.

In my early 20s, my position in a non-profit organization equipped me with planning skills to develop educational programs. Along with on-the-job training from staff, I followed planning templates previously created by my colleagues. I customized and updated them over time. Through experience, I became efficient in preparing for foreseeable scenarios, handling variations, and applying reflections to improve the next time while keeping the program's goal clear. 

The skill of seeing the forest for the trees throughout the planning process is transferrable. I often remind myself to envision the big picture and maintain long-term objectives.

Why I remember this: The learning occurred in an experiential and project-based environment.