(Dean's log) Lecture series for Junior and Senior High Schools: Hokkaido Sapporo Kita Senior High School

On 6 September 2024, about 660 first- and second-year high school students attended the lecture.

The students listened intently to Dean Kato's enthusiastic words, with their eyes shining as they listened. We received many comments saying that their motivation to achieve their dreams and goals had increased, including "I was impressed by the fact that the Faculty of Engineering at UTokyo's research is extremely wide-ranging and also cutting-edge research. I was surprised by the research activities that were like an eye-opener to me, and I felt that I could expand my knowledge at UTokyo", and "I had been feeling helpless and thinking that I couldn't make a difference in a world where global warming is progressing, but after listening to this lecture, I felt encouraged and thought that maybe I could do something after all". Dean Kato’s words —"It's important to put all your effort into the things you can do" — encouraged students greatly.

The lecture was followed by a roundtable talk where more than 30 students attended. He answered all the questions from the students, including those about their career paths and how to maintain their motivation. He received many words of gratitude such as "He helped me realise my potential". The lecture was a special day for the students, changing the way they think about their future and their attitude towards achieving their goals.

Midori Aoki (Metaverse School of Engineering)