Lucy Lahrita
Graduate School of Agriculture, Doctoral Course

What was it about the Nitobe School that attracted you?

I was attracted to the Nitobe School before the program was officially started in spring 2015. Literally, I began my learning process in the Nitobe School from fall 2014 by joining the trial class of the Nitobe School. My motives at that time were that the Nitobe School is conducted in English, so I can keep my English proficiency in academic world. Secondly, it is a multi-disciplinary program, so I can learn from other students from other disciplinary fields to enrich my knowledge and awareness of current issues.

What is your best learning experience at the Nitobe School?

I have several best learning experiences at the Nitobe School, mentor events are one of them that enable me to get to expose working life experiences in Japan. These events are essential as I need to prepare for my future career after completing my PhD study at Hokkaido University. Besides, mentor events are in line with the Nitobe School’s mission to prepare its students for future career in our global society. Another best learning experience is through organizing a scientific workshop at the Advanced Program. Working together with other doctoral students to plan and execute a scientific workshop was an effective learning process of acquiring organizational skill, teamwork, leadership and sense of responsibility.

What was value of learning at both Basic and Advanced Program?

Learning at both Basic and Advanced Program has sharpened my self-awareness as a professional in academic life, in an organization, and in this global society. Through the Basic Program, I could recognize my strengths and weaknesses. To improve my personal qualities and abilities, I developed my skills to work in a team through mutual respect of expertise and professional ethics and learned the good values of “giving back to society.” Putting together, they are the values of “3+1 Competencies” that I had learned through the Nitobe Basic Program. At the Advanced Program, I implemented these values of learning to practical purposes and settings. By doing so, I started my path toward a “pioneer” in research and collaboration. The Basic and Advanced Programs are together a complete process of self-development, from learning, mastering to implementing. The Nitobe School takes you to a global leader!

How do you manage to commit both the Nitobe School and your research?

I strongly believe that the Nitobe School can go hand-in-hand with students’ research activities. For instance, in conducting research project at the Advanced Program, students can propose research project from their own main research. In fact, with the Nitobe School, students can even further develop their research and accomplish higher achievements.

How has your education at the Nitobe School prepared you for future career?

Education at the Nitobe School has equipped me with research confidence and network among open-minded Nitobe School students. Particularly, the research project at the Advanced Program that I conducted at Joslin Diabetes Center (Boston, USA), a research center affiliated to Harvard Medical School, has provided me with valuable research experiences for my future career.

Do you have an exhortation for next Nitobe School students?

Looking for an exciting research/career network at Hokkaido University? The Nitobe School is the place for you!