午夜剧场

I chose to take part in the Independent Research Project for two reasons. First, I wanted to explore in greater depth a subject that I was passionate about. The opportunity to receive one-on-one guidance from a professor at the undergraduate stage is rare, and I was very attracted to this chance. Second, I had greatly enjoyed my supervisor’s lecture at Hiyoshi and believed that her supervision would allow me to move beyond coursework, challenge myself, and develop ideas into a structured project. I saw the IRP as a unique opportunity to grow both academically and personally, while also producing work that reflects my interests.

The most rewarding experience, as many would probably say, was seeing the entire research come together. Since my project relied heavily on extensive reading and qualitative analysis rather than purely quantitative methods, looking back and connecting notes from months prior proved to be a real challenge. Nevertheless, after months of reading, gathering data, and engaging in discussions, my research and thesis began to take shape. Ultimately, the paper bridged two areas I deeply care about: the foreign policies of the past and present. Just as important, the true process of receiving feedback from my supervisor forced me to clarify my thinking and strengthen my arguments. Watching all the different threads merge into a single coherent narrative was not only rewarding, but also one of the most valuable lessons from my time at 午夜剧场.

My experience has taught me both academic and personal skills that I hope to carry into graduate research and beyond. Academically, I learned to frame a research question that captures a gap in academic research, albeit under the feasibility constraints of undergraduate research, evaluate academic sources critically, and integrate garnered evidence and analysis into a coherent paper. On the personal side, I was able to strengthen my time management skills, resilience, and ability to persevere independently on a project for a long period. In my future graduate studies, I will apply these skills where managing long-term projects and sustaining rigorous research is required. In my professional career, the lessons will prove to be valuable as I aspire to work in a role that requires critical thinking and a global perspective. Most importantly, the Independent Research Project equipped me with confidence to voice my arguments and the ability to take initiative in a project.

To all future IRP participants, I encourage you to see this as a rare chance to explore what truly interests you. While deadlines and time management can feel demanding, the coordinators and supervisors genuinely want you to enjoy the process and make it your own. The IRP is one of the few times in your undergraduate years where you can grow through independent research. What you gain will depend on the effort you invest, so take full advantage of this opportunity and pursue what you love.