Mina

• Name: Mina
• Country: Japan
• Council: Admissions and Events Council

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Mina. I’m in grade 11. I’m from Ehime Prefecture. I like playing tennis and I have been playing since I was 6 years old.

What made you choose to study at NIC?

I was interested in studying at an international school because it was important for me to be in an environment where I could speak English. I have been going to English conversation classes since I was a child and enjoy speaking in English, so I thought NIC would be perfect for me. I also like talking to people, and I thought that by being able to speak English more fluently, I would be able to talk to more people and make friends from all around the world.

What is your favourite thing about being part of the NIC community?

I feel like I am part of the NIC community when I work with the Admissions Council. Schools are run by teachers, staff, and students so working with the Admissions Council makes me feel like I am contributing to NIC as a member of the school and I like that.

What made you decide to join the student council? What skills do you think you can acquire and how can it help you achieve your goals in the future?

The reason why I decided to join this council was because I thought it would be a fun opportunity to talk to many people and introduce the beautiful sides of NIC. I like it because talking to new people and gaining new perspectives is important to me.

I feel that joining the admissions council has helped me improve my communication skills, especially in Japanese with formal and polite language. I have never been very good at speaking politely, but ever since joining this council, I met many people for the first time and became more conscious of using polite language. I think I am now able to treat others more respectfully and I am happy with this improvement because I can put this experience to good use in the future.

What do you want to be in the future? How can NIC and your role in the student council help you achieve this goal?

I haven’t decided what I want to do in the future yet, but currently I have been enjoying maths and art so I have considered becoming an architect. Although I haven’t decided which country I want to pursue further studies in, I am now in an environment where I can use English, so I am dreaming of going to an overseas university where I can make the most of my experience. I believe that joining this council will significantly help me achieve my goals. I feel like I have improved my communication with others and also developed as a person.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining NIC?

NIC is a boarding school so living at the dorms is a part of school life. That’s why I think you need to be yourself, be kind to others and most importantly have confidence in yourself.