Education and Student Life

No.1: HU is a place where I can meet various people.

2nd year, Type 4 Figurative Arts Course, Faculty of Education
Shoko Yamamoto
<Graduated from Marugame Senior High School>

Ms. Yamamoto is consutantly humble saying "I'm neither an A student nor a model student but an ordinary student ... Am I suitable?"

Don't worry. This is a special feature that gives those who would like to enter HU an insight into the perspectives of current HU students.In this, the memorable first interview in this series, we talk to Shoko Yamamoto, a second-year student in Type 4 Figurative Arts Course, Faculty of Education.

Let's just start with, why did you choose Hiroshima University?

After I took the National Center Test for University Admissions, I actually hovered between Hiroshima University and another universty until the last minute when I submitted the application.Originally, I could not definitelty decide on the faculty of my choice until the fall of my third year at high school.As I have liked to draw pictures since my childhood, I wanted to study art. But I also wanted to study nutrients in food.

You hadn't chosen Hiroshima University from the start. How did you definitely decide to choose Hiroshima University?

As of the winter of my third year at high school, I still wanted to go on to a department in which I can study nutrition science.Thus, I took the entrance examinations for two private universities, but failed them. I was originally an arts student, so math and science subjects in which I was weak affected the results.This switched my mind, and I decided to focus on arts departments.

I decided to apply for a national university because I wanted to enter a big university.I checked on various private art universities, but I didn't take the entrance examinations for them.

I hovered on the university of my choice until the last minute.Yet, I chose HU because I got good scores in the National Center Test for University Admissions.There was another university to which I wanted to go, but more weighting was allocated to the secondary examination for that university than HU.For the course I now take at HU, more weighting was allocated to scores in the National Center Test for University Admissions than those in the secondary examination.The secondary examination for arts is a practical examination.I had not joined any art club, and I had worries about the practical examination....

Ms. Yamamoto saying that she hovered on the university of her choice until the last minute.

You hadn't joined an art club! (surprise)

No (laughs).I joined an Japanese archery club. I belonged to a ping-pong club at junior high shcool (laughs).Thus, I consulted with my high school art teacher, and had the teacher introduce a drawing school(*). At that school, I studied drawing, including sketches.

* A private drawing school voluntarily hosted by a painter, etc.; private drawing school; drawing class.

Did you have any concerns other than the practical examination? What were difficulties when you took the entrance examination?

It was difficult to collect information.

The trends of practical examination differ depending on universities.Take pencil for example, there are many conditions, such as being able to use own pencils and being obliged to use pencils distributed by the university.I also read entrance examination information magazines, but there is little infomration concerned.

In addition, no graduate from my high school had entered HU until then. So, it was difficult to collect information at any rate.

Ms. Yamamoto's favorite pencils. She sharpens them by herself.

You had difficulty in preparing for the examination due to lack of information. How did you overcome that handicap?

After I decided to take the entrance examination for HU following the National Center Test for University Admissions, I took a trip to a drawing school in Hiroshima.I could read the resports of students who actually took the entrance examination for HU there, and I could get a lot of information from the reports.Questions from past examinations and other materials are also available at HU libraries. But it's tough for students who come to take the entrance examination from afar.In fact, I haven't known that questions from past examinations are available(*). Sorry (laughs).

(*) Click here to see questions from past entrance examinations (It directs you to the Hiroshima University entrance examination information site).(Japanese Page)

You made great efforts. Then, once you actually got to HU, what struck you as being particularly good?

Well, I can meet various people and study various things.After all, it's great that various faculties exist on one campus.It's possible to take classes other than those of my specialty.When I don't have any class of my course, I take a class for nutrition science in which I have been interested.

What are you studying in Type 4 Figurative Arts Course in the Faculty of Education?

What are you studying in Type 4 Figurative Arts Course in the Faculty of Education?
I'm now in the second year. I'm studying wide-ranging subjects, including painting, carving, design, craftworks, art, and art education, which are necessary to obtain a junior high school and high school teaching license for art.Education-related classes are included in addition to skills practice. Thus, I'm learning a lot.

In my third year, I will study with a focus on my area of specialization. But I have yet to decide on the area.

Main textbooks which she now uses

Apart from classes, I sometimes participate in volunteer activities through introduction from teachers. In my first year, I assisted the planning and implementation of an art event held at a museum in Higashihiroshima City to convey the fun of art to kindergarteners. In the event, a paper was put on the wall of the museum, and children painted on it with paints. That's sensory art using every part of the body, and children were pleased. That was so much fun.

In front of the work with classmates (furthest right: Ms. Yamamoto).
Volunteering at an event called "Children Art Adventure" which was held at the Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art.

Children were pleased at sensory art.

Will you become an art teacher?

I haven't decided yet but it's one of my options.

Tell us about your everyday life. How is your life in Saijo (Higashihiroshima City)?

Well, Saijo is a town that is not so different from my hometown.I sometimes go shopping to Hiroshima City, but there are some places where students can play, including karaoke, film theater, and bowling alley, in Saijo. So, ny life here is fulfilling.

Do you engage in club activities or work part time?

Yes. I join a club engaging in the editing of a public relations magazine for HU students entitled "HU-style" and a badminton club.I work part time at an okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancake containing vegetables and other foodstuff) restaurant near HU! I work about twice a week.

Finally, what message would you like to send to those who are thinking about applying to HU?

HU is a place where you can meet various people.That's the advantage of a university. I think HU is suited for those who are stuck with the choice of course.I hope you'll find what you want to do here.    

December 17, 2010
Reporting, shooting and editing: PR Group


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