Discovering Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Fulfilling Life

When it comes to college admissions, there is often a lot of pressure for high school students to not only excel academically but also to stand out among a sea of applicants. Many students obsess over getting into Ivy League schools, believing that this is the ultimate measure of success. However, it’s important to step back and remember that college admissions should not be the sole focus of a high school student’s life.

Instead, what if we shifted our focus to helping students uncover their true passions and purpose? This is where the concept of Ikigai comes in. Ikigai, a Japanese term meaning “a reason for being,” encourages individuals to find the intersection of what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for.

By understanding their Ikigai, high school students can start to explore their true interests, develop their talents, and make a meaningful impact in the world. While achieving top grades and test scores are important, they should not overshadow the importance of developing skills and pursuing activities that align with one’s Ikigai.

So, what are the top skills that high school students should focus on? Communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are just a few examples. These skills are not only highly valued by colleges and employers but also crucial for success in the real world. Students who can effectively communicate their ideas, think critically to solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances will be better equipped to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Ikigai in a High Schoolers Life

For high school students, exploring their Ikigai can be particularly vital. It is a transformative period when passion begins to take shape, and future opportunities take root. One way to start this exploration is through a high school internship. By gaining real-world experience and exposure, students can discover their interests and develop essential skills that will shape their future endeavors. We will be publishing a post on the best ways to secure an internship in high school at a later date.

When considering potential internships, it is crucial to identify the top skills for high school students that align with their Ikigai. These skills may vary depending on individual interests and career aspirations. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are just a few examples of the essential skills that can benefit students in any field they choose to pursue. This is where writing a convincing resume, where your story is told in a way that entices the higher-ups to hire you. We will also be publishing a post on the do’s and don’ts for a resume at a later date so stay tuned!

Beyond internships, another avenue for high school students to explore their Ikigai is through a passion project. This project serves as a creative outlet and an opportunity to delve deeper into areas of personal interest. It allows students to dedicate time, energy, and resources to something they are genuinely passionate about and this is where LaunchPad comes in.

With multiple modules on various subjects ranging from storytelling and communication to financial literacy, interviews with the best in the business, like Tejas Kulkarni, the Manager of Google and Niraj Goel, the CFO of Pepsi in Southeast Asia as well as a forum for collaboration and get a taste of how passion projects may turn out, LaunchPad is a one-stop shop for you to pursue your interests, after all, it is an organization of the students, by the students and for the students. This pursuit not only fosters personal growth but can also lead to unexpected discoveries and future career paths. 

While college admissions and getting into prestigious schools may seem like the be-all and end-all for high school students, it’s essential to look beyond that and focus on uncovering one’s Ikigai. By understanding their passions and purpose, students can cultivate the top skills needed for success and make a meaningful impact in the world. Remember, it’s not just about Ivy League admissions; it’s about finding fulfillment and living your passion.