“When I was 19” is a series of online events in which invited speakers with global experience tell stories of the time when they were as old as current first- or second-year students. On July 10, 2020, we invited Dr. Masahiko Hayashi, who is a UTokyo graduate currently working as the Director of JSPS Bonn Office in Germany, to give a talk entitled, “From UTokyo to an Astronomer.” Students, who have registered for the Go Global Gateway program, were eligible to apply for this event. Many students participated in this event and actively interacted with Dr. Hayashi.
Event advert
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/adm/go-gateway/en/200710.html
In his talk, Dr. Hayashi told us what he thought about when he was little, why he aspired to become an astronomer, his family life, unexpected events in his life, and advice for the current students.
After the talk, the participants divided into small groups and they discussed questions they wanted to ask Dr. Hayashi. He popped into each group and interacted with the students.
The small group discussion was followed by a question and answer session in which the students asked Dr. Hayashi various questions such as what they should do during their study period, challenges Dr. Hayashi has ever faced, and the ways in which students develop their global competence in the COVID-19 crisis. The participants gained a lot of inspiration through the interaction with the UTokyo graduate who has much experience of working abroad.
We are planning to hold similar events for students who have registered for the Go Global Gateway program. Please join our future events!