Boston University Students Place in Writing and Speaking Contests Run by the Consulate General of Japan

Ying Li won first place in the Lower Intermediate Division of an essay contest run by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. The essay topic was “what can one do to help our relationship with Japan?” Ying’s essay (written in Japanese) addressed the importance of leveraging her language skills to help her Chinese and Japanese friends to better understand one another. Her eagerness for harmony between China and Japan made her essay both impressive and moving.

Ying presented her winning essay at the Brookline Public Library in Coolidge Corner, and it will soon be available on the Consulate General’s website.

Sukhoon Chang took third place in the Advanced Division of the first Japanese Speech contest run by the Consulate. The 100-member audience included the Consul General.  Sukhoon’s talk, given in Japanese, was considered one of the best delivered because it was both personal and insightful. The title “Fluffy Rabbit” was a metaphor for his love of music.

In his speech, Sukhoon talked about his two faces: the first, a child who loved music, and the second, a student who struggles to write papers. In addition to presenting a speech in Japanese, participants were required to answer judges’ questions about their speeches in Japanese. Faculty members from various universities commented that they were very impressed with Sukhoon’s speech, his responses to the questions, and the way he reflected on his personal life.

BUCSA would like to congratulate Ying Li and Sukhoon Chang for their accomplishments!