STEP Taking on Challenges Through Questions That Shape the Future

There are as many futures and dreams at APU as there are students—whether it’s studying abroad, joining clubs, collaborating with local communities, or starting a business, each student continues to take on challenges driven by their own questions. Here, striving and giving your best is something to be proud of. These people constantly inspire and encourage others with their passion.

Case 1 I would like to think about social issues together with high school students.

  • Third-year student, College of Asia Pacific Studies

    Yuka Suzuki

    Representative of the student organization "DUCT"

    Profile:
    Inspired by inquiry-based learning during high school, I enrolled at APU, where such learning is emphasized. After entering the university, I decided that I wanted to take on the role of promoting inquiry-based learning for high school students, and joined DUCT, an officially recognized student organization at APU. Currently, as the representative of DUCT, I conduct inquiry-based learning classes for high school students in Beppu City.

Taking on the role of representative, I gained valuable insights and learned important lessons about how to manage and improve the organization. In the environment at APU, where I can challenge myself in many ways, I continue to shape my future dreams into reality.

Could you tell me about "DUCT," the officially recognized student organization at APU that you are currently leading as its representative?

Our activities involve DUCT members taking on the role of instructors and working with high school students—mainly in Beppu City—to think about social issues around the world. For example, to learn about environmental problems, we collect sand from nearby Mochigahama Beach and search for plastic mixed within it. This idea came from one of our members; rather than simply hearing about social issues, experiencing them in a familiar and tangible way leads to deeper awareness and understanding. In addition, we offer a variety of classes, such as discussions about the freedom to pursue one’s dreams and self-reflection activities.

What inspired you to become the representative of DUCT?

I had wanted to be involved in activities addressing social issues since my high school years, and I felt that APU was the most suitable environment to expand those interests. I encountered DUCT when I first enrolled, and I was glad to find that its ideas and values perfectly matched my own. When the senior members graduated, I found myself as the only remaining member, and I was determined to keep it going at all costs. This led me to take on the role of representative. After that, by reaching out to people around me, I was able to gather members who shared the same aspirations, and we eventually gained official recognition as a student organization. Currently, we have around 20 members.

What do you keep in mind as a representative?

As the number of members increased, I noticed that some people began to miss activities without clear reasons. This made me wonder why that was happening and what we could do to make members want to participate. I began to reflect on and discuss with the team various aspects such as how we manage the organization, how we give directions, the structure of our meetings, the types of activities we want to pursue, and how we balance schedules with university classes. As a result of these discussions and efforts, attendance has improved, and I have come to realize once again the importance of flexibility and continuous improvement.

What initiatives are you involved in outside of DUCT, and what challenges do you hope to take on in the future?

I was selected as a finalist for the ONE BEPPU DREAM AWARD 2023, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to solve regional issues and create social value. My project focused on revitalizing Beppu City through inquiry-based education and enhancing the personal development of local high school students. The preparation process was challenging, and I received some critical feedback; however, I used that frustration as motivation to improve, which ultimately helped broaden my perspective. In 2025, as part of the “Next-Generation Co-Creation Leader Development Project,” I am planning to exhibit a booth at the Osaka Expo together with members of DUCT.

Are there any classes at university that you particularly like or that have left a strong impression on you?

I was deeply inspired by the ideas of Professor Kumi Seike. Through sociology, which encourages constant reflection even in everyday life, I was led to think about fundamental questions such as “What does it mean to understand?” and “What does it mean to truly know something?” This perspective also connects to philosophy and enables me to approach social issues and questions, such as why our society is structured the way it is, on my own. There is still so much I have yet to learn at APU, and I find the process—questioning, struggling, thinking, and making new discoveries—both exciting and fulfilling, as my perspectives continue to expand in many directions.

Could you tell me about your future dreams?

I would like to create a place (a learning space or school) where people can collaborate with APU and its students to think together, and where both high school students and adults can grow by developing their inquiry skills. Although my goal is to start my own business, I believe that now is the time for me to build knowledge and gain experience, while developing the abilities needed to contribute to society. APU provides a foundation where both domestic and international students from diverse backgrounds can take on new challenges, and the inspiration and influence from those around me serve as a strong source of motivation. Above all, what I value most is the importance of connections between people.

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