[Member Highlight] This past summer a few of our BESTies, Gio, Kelli and Natalie traveled to Nagoya, Japan to be a part of the Hawaii Kai Jaycee's Nagoya Global Youth Leadership Program! Here are some of their thoughts about their experience!
Q: What is the Hawaii Kai Jaycee's Nagoya Global Youth Leadership Program?
A: It's a week-long leadership camp where students from Taiwan, Manila, Hong Kong, Hawaii, and Japan travel to Nagoya and learn about one another's culture and the ways we can work together internationally to achieve the same sustainable development goals. - Natalie Kwon
A: The project took place on Wednesday, July 26, 2018 to Sunday, July 30, 2018. Participants came from Nagoya, Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Hawaii. Together we learned how to create a concrete vision to succeed in the future international society through basic international leadership and business trainings. We shared our own cultural experiences in workshops and technical field works, and had the opportunity to form strong networks and friendships with other students from different countries. - Giovani Martin
A: Being part of the Hawaii Kai Jaycee's Youth Leadership Program allows young professionals, such as ourselves to develop ourselves professionally as well as personally. Moreover, we are given a year membership to the Hawaii Kai Jaycee's, which allows us to give back to the group that allowed us on this trip and establish networks within the group. By being chosen to be part of the Leadership Program, we also got to participate in the Global Network Gathering for the Next Generation Project, aka 3G Project. During this program, we were able to network with students from other JCI groups. Additionally, we discussed various issues each of us has as well as participating in team bonding activities as well. - Kelli Chinen
Q: What was it like to meet others from different countries and be apart of the same program?
A: It was really fun! The language barrier was difficult at first but it inspires me to learn the Japanese language so I can connect to others and create meaningful relationships. I also came to appreciate so many more East and Southeast Asian cultures and learn of their triumphs and challenges. - Natalie Kwon
A: I didn’t expect this trip to be so much fun and educational. But, all of us made really close connections between the students and I really felt like I was able to laugh and have fun with everyone. Furthermore, I was able to gain international perspectives and learn about problems within each of the attending nations. - Giovani Martin
A: Being part of the program really reminded me about what international excellence is. It was enriching to meet students from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Not only were we able to get to know more about each of their countries but we also created global bonds that would last a life time. - Kelli Chinen
Q: What did the week long program entail?
A: The trip entailed many bonding activities, good food, and workshops where we discussed topics such as public speaking, and our problems within each nation. We also took time to learn about the Japanese culture through festivals and tours. - Giovani Martin
A: The main purpose of the program was to come up with problems that each of our countries had and create solutions, considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that accompanied it. However, I think the most meaningful aspect was everything in between. We stayed in an accommodation center, where we got to experience a Japanese lifestyle, from the food to the living style. - Kelli Chinen
Q: What was your biggest take away from the program?
A: Stay curious! Keep asking questions about their culture, lifestyle, or even what they eat for breakfast. With students from all over the world, such a simple question can start the most interesting conversations. Learning about other's cultures and lifestyles create a diverse, well rounded worldview necessary to love others. - Natalie Kwon
A: My biggest takeaway was learning about myself and others and how lucky I am to live in Hawaii! - Giovani Martin
A: My biggest takeaway from the program was that all countries have issues that need to be resolved. Some countries may have the same problems and others may not. However, the one thing we have in common is that we're all trying to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that have been set. As future global leaders, we all need to keep the SDGs in mind and create solutions to make a sustainable world. - Kelli Chinen