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How my dreams of becoming a coach made me a better journalist

I still remember the sights and smells of my study abroad in Spain

I played soccer throughout elementary, middle, and high school and dreamed of one day becoming a professional coach. After entering Waseda, I became the coach of a soccer club in hopes of making this dream a reality. I developed a strong interest in Spanish soccer while preparing for entrance exams, and in the summer of my sophomore year, decided to study abroad in Spain. To this day, the sights and smells of going to soccer matches every week for a month remain etched in my memory.

After landing a job, I decided to study abroad in Spain again for the remaining months leading up to graduation. There, my dreams of becoming a coach grew even stronger. After two years of working in Japan, I left my job and moved to Valencia, Spain.

The unexpected beginnings of my career

While living in Valencia, I attended veteran team Valencia CF’s practice sessions every day. I spoke with athletes, and analyzed the team’s progress on my online blog. Next thing I knew, the Japanese media were asking me to write for them. This was the start of my career as a soccer journalist. Up until 2010 when I served as assistant coach for a local U-13 team and aspired to become a professional coach, I had not once imagined that I would become a journalist.

Experience all things firsthand

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. My career plans prior to entering Waseda, as a student, and after graduation were far from consistent. However, the path to becoming a journalist opened when I expressed my desire to try new things and committed myself to what was in front of me. Whether its sports or classwork, there is fun and joy to be had in fully committing yourself. I ask all students to experience everything firsthand, and not be afraid of failure.

*Interview conducted in AY2014