This semester, I joined a stargazing circle at Doshisha University. The activities ranged from field trips to see meteor showers, to selling fried ice cream at the school’s anniversary festival. There were also several days where the activity was just hanging out. For instance, there was one day where we played card games while waiting for the sun to set, and then went out to dinner after the activity ended.

I had an amazing time at my CIP. Initially, I had wanted to do join a photography circle, but none of them ended up working out. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I know I wanted to join a circle at Doshisha because I wanted to make Japanese friends. Circles at Japanese universities are often a way for the members to meet new people and make friends. I was lucky enough to meet many lovely people through the stargazing circle and make lasting connections.

My advice for any incoming student is that the CIP is what you make of it. There were multiple times where I had stargazing activities that evening, but I was feeling tired or apathetic and not wanting to go. In the end, I pushed myself to go and it paid off tremendously. No matter what CIP you choose, you can always make the most of it!