Chiyo: Environmental Sciences at the University of Tokyo

Chiyo S. achieved AAA alongside an A* in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and will continue her studies at the University of Tokyo, where she will study Environmental Sciences.

When we spoke to Chiyo earlier this year, she described how an interest in biology had gradually developed into a particular fascination with conservation, biodiversity and scientific research. Her EPQ, which explored the relationship between honeybees and fungi, played an important part in helping her identify the direction she wanted to pursue.

Now, with her A-level results confirmed and her place at Tokyo secured, Chiyo reflects on the next stage of that journey, the influence of Sedbergh’s boarding environment and landscape, and the skills she will take with her into university.

How did you feel when you saw your results?

I was mainly just really happy that I got the grades to get into the university of my choice.

You’re planning to enrol at the University of Tokyo to study Environmental Sciences. What are you most looking forward to about that next step?

I am planning to enrol at the University of Tokyo in September to study Environmental Sciences. I am most looking forward to learning more about the environment from a biological perspective and gaining experience in research.

Attending the University of Tokyo will allow me to learn from experts in the field, and I am looking forward to working with them — both in the lab and in lectures — to gain expertise in the specific field and feel one step closer to getting my foot in the door for academic research.

I am also looking forward to exploring the field in order to find my niche academic focus that I will work towards during my academic career.

Looking back, what do you think helped you grow academically at Sedbergh?

I think the encouragement from friends and the boarding environment definitely pushed me to revise more. It also made getting help from teachers easier too.

Sedbergh pupils often balance academic work with sport, music, drama, outdoor education, House life and other commitments. How has that breadth shaped the way you work, manage pressure or approach challenges?

I gained valuable time-management skills and started prioritising the efficiency and quality of my work in order to balance other commitments.

I believe that having interests outside of academics made me a more well-rounded person who is able to look at things from different perspectives and persevere when I face challenges.

What has full boarding given you academically or personally that you think will stay with you after Sedbergh?

As mentioned above, I think it has given me the ability to work and manage my time efficiently in order to have other interests and passions outside of academics.

Has Sedbergh’s setting influenced your education, independence or sense of perspective in any way?

Being around nature has improved my ability to face challenges by making me feel small in the grand scheme of things. It reminds me to keep positive when facing difficulties and that everything always works out in the end.

As long as I’ve tried my best, it’s never the end of the world.

How did you arrive at Environmental Sciences at the University of Tokyo as your next step?

My plan was always to study something related to biology in order to contribute positively to the environment on Earth, and further academic study through university was always the obvious choice for me.

My university choice changed quite late, but I’m happy with my decision because Tokyo is one of the busiest cities in the world, and I’m sure it’s full of new opportunities and people.