Clubs Day Debrief -- Meri Obara

 The Clubs Day was very good opportunity for me! Because I could discover and sign up to new clubs.

Actually I’ve already joined a club which is the Student For Environmental Action. In this club, I take care of the garden with other members. But it’s not enough for me because I had wanted to do different types of things and be more active. So, the Clubs Day was a big chance to find a new community.

At that event, initially, I was nervous because I was worried about talking with native speakers. However, I tried first to speak with a woman who was a member of the Seishinkan society(Jujutsu). I did this because I thought that woman was more approachable and welcoming, as mentioned in the textbook. She was kind and answered my questions gently. Eventually, I attended four clubs’ booths, the Seishinkan society(Jujutsu), OJSA(Otago University Japanese Student Association), AAPES(Animal, Aquatic, Plant, Ecological Society) Otago, and the Movie club. All of them were interesting to me and finally, I decided to join two clubs, OJSA and AAPES.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t use many useful strategies of networking because I just focused on talking in English. However, after starting the clubs, I would like to use the helpful tips which I learned during the class.

   
OJSA

                                                                                                    Clubs Day

Comments

  1. Keigo TominagaJuly 16, 2025 at 3:22 PM

    What does OJSA do mainly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meri OBARAJuly 22, 2025 at 5:43 PM

      It has many events, such as a Sushi party, Japanese movie night, etc .You cannot only communicate with Japanese, but also with international students who are interested in Japan.

      Delete
  2. David WoodfieldJuly 16, 2025 at 3:23 PM

    Thanks for sharing, Meri. Sounds like your experience was a worthwhile one. I trust that you will have some fulfilling times at the various activities put on by these clubs. In approaching the woman at the jujitsu booth, I guess you were also utilizing the strategy -- "Approach others. Don't wait for them to come to you." I have personally found this strategy essential when it come to meeting people. If I don't make it happen, it doesn't tend to happen.
    David :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. MilaeJuly 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM

    Wow, you joined the Japanese club! I couldn't find the Korean club!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meri OBARAJuly 22, 2025 at 5:47 PM

      There are definitely Korean club. It's called OUKSA (Otago University Korean Student's Association) . Check it out！

      Delete
  4. Hanako IwatsukiJuly 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM

    I admire you because you've already joined some club by yourself!
    Joining several clubs help you to expand network more and get a variety of perspectives! I'm looking forward to attending volunteer works with you ^-^
    P.S. Thank you for introducing Kanji Club!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aoi MatsumotoJuly 16, 2025 at 3:34 PM

    It’s great that you found so many clubs! Let me know your thoughts again sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chompunud (New)July 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM

    Hello, Meri, I admire that you care a lot about our environment and you have already put it into actions by joining activities that related to improve our world to be better.

    ReplyDelete

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