All hail the Kansou!

All hail the Kansou!

Trying on kimonos with my American
friend

Anyone who has ever been a member of Hippo Family Club knows the prevalence of what is called...the kansou (感想). It translates to "impressions," but can also be thought as your evaluation of an activity or event. Just as anyone involved with Youth Development programs, like 4-H, recognizes the importance of participant evaluations to program improvement, so is Hippo with the kansou.

Hippo employs two methods for reflection and evaluation...written, and delivered verbally in a group. Kansou is incorporated into basically every single aspect of Hippo activities (and I mean...Every. Single. Activity.). For example, after any workshop, camp, or exchange program, the coordinators and participants gather in big circles to share their thoughts and impressions of the experience (and yes, EVERYONE speaks).

Now, as you may have guessed by my tone, I have a complicated relationship with the kansou. I realize its importance to program development, as well as the cathartic benefit for people to share their reflections. Just...it`s always so darn long, and usually right before lunch (or bedtime--either way, I am not in much of a mood to listen).

At an elementary school presentation with my friend Meaw
from Thailand

The U.S 4-H group has arrived in Japan for one month
homestays!

However, last weekend I was reminded how much I appreciate programs that allow for members to think on and share their experiences. I went to a camp for LEX high school students who had just returned from 10 months abroad attending local high schools and living with host families. During the three-day camp I listened to their stories. Each of them had had distinct experiences, with some similarities between them. Everyone had been to different places, the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Spain, France, Germany, and Belgium, but they had all come away from the program more mature and open-minded.

Listening to their sharing sessions, I was struck with a sliver of jealousy. You could really see the kinship formed by the sharing of experiences--both good and bad. Exchange programs are truly life-changing, and affect you in many ways, which are usually quite good. But, it can also bring up many confusing questions and conflicts within--regarding identity, culture, life goals, personal values, etc. The best way to cope, and ultimately grow, is to unpack these feelings. And what easier way to do it but with others who have gone through similar things!

Unfortunately, when I return to America, I won`t be able to attend sharing sessions with other LEX interns. However, I will not be alone. Pre-departure, I am able to discuss common impressions with other LEX interns from South Korea and Taiwan. I can also share with the many understanding LEX members and friends--who have usually been on

Fun with fellow interns at Multilingual Nature Camp!

exchange before. And of course...I`ll be updating this blog with a "what I have learned/discovered" post, so stay tuned!

Once returning to the U.S., I will have the chance to talk with staff at the 4-H International Programs Office, who are experts in the art of evaluation, as well as amazingly compassionate human beings. I will give a presentation in front of my old 4-H club as well!! I can`t wait to hopefully inspire interest in younger members. And, last, but certainly not least, I`ll talk extensively with my American friends and family. Without their support, I wouldn`t have been able to embark on this fantastic journey in the first place.

So I guess I`ll concede. Kansou, you win this round. Thanks to you, I am able to grow to incredible heights, even beyond this year.