So That One More Person Can Feel New Possibilities
Kota Kinoshita
4th Year Student Department of International Business, Faculty of Economics
Born in Tokyo. Developing an interest in Christianity after reading “Shiokari Pass” by Ayako Miura in a Japanese language class during junior high school, he went on to attend Meiji Gakuin Higashi-murayama High School. At university, he has participated extensively in activities unique to Meiji Gakuin University, including serving as a Meiji Gakuin Chapel student staff member and Campus Concierge. Outside of school, he has participated in Boy Scouts since he was four years old and continues to be active both domestically and internationally.
“There were several reasons why I chose Meiji Gakuin, including my interest in Christianity and the appeal of the International Business curriculum. But maybe the biggest reason was feeling that it was a place with a warm atmosphere where I could grow not just academically but as a human being,” says Kota Kinoshita. “I entered university with the desire to challenge myself in various ways, and I think I’ve been able to realize that aspiration.”
In his classes, he studies leadership and business practices in international society while also experiencing study abroad. Seeking to learn in an environment completely different from Japan, he spent four months in Prince Edward Island, Canada. “Outside of my classes, I did my best to participate in student organization activities and local community events after school, exposing myself to diverse ways of thinking from various people. I believe the experiences and connections I gained through studying abroad will be lifelong treasures.”
In addition to his studies, Kinoshita has continued his activities at the chapel and as a Campus Concierge, receiving consultations from students. Campus Concierge is a student-led support organization that embodies Meiji Gakuin’s educational philosophy of “Do for Others.” Kinoshita also shares that through his Boy Scout activities, which he has participated in since childhood, he developed a mindset of wanting to positively impact those he encounters. “This connects to Meiji Gakuin’s educational philosophy of ‘Do for Others.’ I think Meiji Gakuin was the place where I could best put into action and practice what I had cultivated up until now.”
Building on these experiences, he plans to pursue a career as a university staff member after graduation. He talked about his student life that shaped this dream.