This summer, I developed both confidence and new skills in public speaking and facilitation. Speaking at Sadako Peace Day was a milestone moment for me—it helped me become more comfortable addressing a large audience and strengthened my ability to share ideas with clarity and conviction. Later, in Hiroshima at the Choose Hope Symposium, I found myself stepping into leadership in unexpected ways. On our first day, during a workshop revisiting questions from the March symposium, I often became the spokesperson for my groups, sometimes navigating between Japanese and English. This experience taught me that leadership is not about being the most experienced or knowledgeable person in the room, but about being willing to step forward, listen, and help move a conversation along.

The people I met in Japan were also instrumental in shaping my understanding of leadership and collaboration. Many of the participants and organizers modeled openness and humility, showing that real leadership often lies in creating space for others’ voices. From them, I’ve learned that leadership is not about commanding, but about connecting—something I hope to carry into my future work and studies.

Some moments from the symposium (held at the Hiroshima Peace Park):