Communities I Have Benefited From - Natsuki Sakamoto

I belonged several communities in the past, and had a lot of relationships with many people. Though those experiences, I realized the importance of community. I was on the soccer team from when I was in primary school student to high school student, about 9 years. Especially among them, community that I have benefited from is the soccer team which I belonged when I was in high school.The team practiced hard every day in order to take part in a tournament, the highest level in the region. All of the team members wanted to participate in that tournament, so everyone had a passion.

As you know, soccer is a team sport, so when one person makes a mistake in the game, the situation of the game gets worse and someone may blame them for making mistakes. However, my team mate was not treat like that. We always cheered up or give some positive sayings each other such as “Nice Challenge!” or “Don’t mind!”. We were always given energy from team mate and could move forward. It was good relationship, I think. I learned the importance of supporting each other from that experience.

 In addition, we were in the relationships which stimulate or inspire each other. We only 11 players can play in the game, that is soccer, so we had to compete each other to seek our position in the game. Even though when I have no motivation for practicing because of something, once I see my team mate doing their best, I was stimulated from them. They always gave me reasons why I do my best, so I appreciate to them. I learned the importance of stimulating or inspiring each other from this communities.

 As I described, my team mate always supported me. That community taught me the importance of a spirit of teamwork. I owe what I am to my team mate. I think to be independent is necessary, but also depending on other people or supporting each other is essential to enrich our life.