#Japan #Polaris #Oita #self-discovery #MeLight

Polaris' Self-Discovery Program in Oita

In an inspiring initiative to foster self-awareness and personal growth among high school students, Polaris Corporation (headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo), led by President Takuma Kobayashi, has successfully had its unique self-discovery program, MeLight, adopted yet again in three public high schools in Oita Prefecture. The high schools involved are Usa Industrial Science High School, Mie Comprehensive High School, and Hiji Comprehensive High School. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Polaris' innovative program has been selected as part of the 2023 Self-Discovery Learning Program.2 organized by the Oita Prefectural Board of Education.

The MeLight program aims to illuminate the path of personal discovery for students, symbolized in its name, which combines “Me” and “Light” to emphasize a bright, forward-looking approach to identifying one’s future. By employing methods that blend creativity and individual reflection, students are encouraged to explore their inner selves and engage in diverse group activities that further their understanding of who they are.

The approach taken by Polaris, rooted in extensive experience in training sales personnel both domestically and internationally, aligns with the company’s philosophy of using art to facilitate personal expression. During the program, students participate in activities designed to enhance not only their self-knowledge but also their non-cognitive abilities, fostering a deeper connection with their innate creativity and identity.

The program’s objective is to equip students with the confidence and tools necessary to navigate the uncertainties of modern life. It encourages them to seek out the seeds of their own aesthetic values—essentially, their personal beliefs and core principles—while also nurturing the skills needed to steer their own life direction. Participants in the program are expected to undergo transformative changes, such as: 1) recognizing and accepting their unique identities and values, 2) forming clearer visions of the futures they aspire to, and 3) taking ownership of their life decisions as they learn to craft their own futures.

Program Overview

The program consists of engaging activities led by instructors and staff from Polaris that deepen self-awareness through experiential learning. Offered across the three selected high schools, it has received positive feedback from past participants, who report significant personal growth following the completion of the program.

For instance, one student expressed, “Before taking this class, I often didn’t have my own opinions and tended to go along with others, but now I can express my thoughts confidently.” Another remarked, “I’ve been able to visualize my ideal future self much more clearly and feel more excited about what lies ahead.”

Past Sessions

To provide insights into the program’s impact, a video showcasing lessons conducted in 2023 is available on YouTube, illustrating the engaging and transformative nature of the activities. You can view the session here.

In conclusion, the ongoing partnership between Polaris and Oita's public high schools signifies a commitment to nurturing the next generation through creative self-exploration and personal empowerment. By providing students the opportunity to discover their own paths, the MeLight program continues to shed light on the potential within each individual, helping them navigate toward a bright and fulfilling future.