※コチラは　校長通信37号　に寄せられた文章の＜英語パート＞です。

Have you ever had to get rid of ants nesting in your laptop? Have you ever felt despair finding the majority of bathrooms lacking both a toilet seat and toilet paper? Or have you been scammed just because you're a foreigner struggling with a language barrier?

Currently, I'm writing this piece in the Dominican Republic, a small country located in the Caribbean Sea.

When Principal Kawahara asked me to share my thoughts on “the determination and enjoyment of living abroad", I contemplated sharing the lessons I've learned from studying in the US during high school and university as well as backpacking through more than 20 countries.

But truth be told, I don't necessarily think that living overseas is the be-all and end-all.

In recent years, I've observed trends such as "globalization" and the "English 4-skills exam" leading the charge. Studying abroad or working with English has been glorified among both educators and motivated students.

This situation, however, merely replaces the outdated educational hierarchy based on standardized testing with even more elite schools abroad. The fundamental problem remains unchanged: mindlessly following a predetermined life path that is deemed “successful.”

As you find yourself overwhelmed by daily homework and constant exams, you may not realize the invaluable privilege of being a student. After graduating from college, you likely won’t have another time when you can only live for yourself with no responsibility to others. (I wish I knew this before graduating from high school)

So, even if you ace your exams and get ranked high in your class, even if you endure the toxic relationships in your after-school club, or even if you attend a prestigious university, what is the point of life if you're not living your own life that you truly enjoy?

I recall the summer during my senior year, I asked a fellow classmate, "Why do you want to go to college?" (What would you say to this question now?)

He stammered in response, "Eh, well... if you don't go to a good university, you can't get a job, and if you don't get hired by a big corporation, you can't make enough money..."

Of course, I won't deny such a worldview. However, Many Japanese corporations that remain complacent with old social orders are going out of business. Others are being acquired by growing foreign companies.

What’s more, very few companies nowadays can offer lifetime employment with the promise of a stable career.

In the VUCA era, where technology is rapidly changing the world, the definition of 'success' and 'happiness' is diversifying. To me, the belief that "studying hard for exams and getting into a good university equals a secure life" seems like playing musical chairs on a sinking ship.

You still have plenty of time to jump off that sinking ship and set sail for a new destination in your own boat. If you take that courageous step forward, I am sure your teachers and friends at Tsurugaoka will support you in any way they can.

If you are unsure what specific actions to take, I highly recommend the following videos and books:

These resources will provide some guidance on what it means to live your own life in this rapidly changing world.

If you have any personal questions, feel free to shoot me an email at mkfn.dn.nb@gmail.com. I am always here to support whatever endeavor you take! Thank you so much for reading all the way to the end!

※卒業生のメッセージとなります。日本語のメッセージはまた違った印象で書かれていますので、ページ上にある校長通信３７号でご確認ください。