Memory of FSSC
Acknowledgment
Thank you for holding a wonderful opportunity, Future Scientists Summer Camp in Denmark. This camp was for 100 participants from 12 countries Future Scientists.
I appreciate Novo Nordisk, LIFE Foundation, and all participants from around the world.
To remember the memory and for future scientists, I will write a record of Future Scientists Summer Camp.
Arrival Day(6/Aug)
Travel
Traveling from Tokyo to Bangkok and Bangkok to Copenhagen took 21 hours. It was the longest flight I’ve ever had. I realized how difficult it is to travel abroad but Team Japan always made me smile with their kindness.
Early morning, I arrived at the airport and was excited to be outside of Asia. Team Japan was spending the morning in LIFE camps. We played a board game and ate a Danish pastry and coffee, however, there were only a few people at that time.
Encounter
Then we went to the hostel and met with people from abroad.
I met people from Canada and Kenya, and they were extremely nice to me, but I felt I couldn’t remember everyone’s names. We talked about our hair and it was interesting to me that Kenyan hair had to be arranged to keep it beautifully. People from America and Denmark arrived an hour later and we had a short trip to the village. Horses and deer were running freely around the field which reminds me of the story of Peter Rabbit. It was still raining and cold outside, so I strongly wanted to take a shower to relax.
After dinner, we finally went to our room. It was the largest and eleven people were living together. When I introduced myself to them I said, "I'm Rico,"
A Mexican girl responded,
"Rico means delicious in Spanish"
and a girl from Türkiye said,
"It means Fisherman in Turkish."
They were talking funny but I was already tired of the all-English and crazy environment. I said, "I want to sleep now, can you stop talking?" After that, I suddenly regret saying what might break the mode. But the next morning, they hugged me and said "Sorry that was our fault, thank you for talking to us honestly." This was the moment to open our hearts to each other.
Day 1 (7/Aug)
My discovery
Someone’s alarm was ringing all the time in 201. Annoying that turned lovely motion in a few days later. We talked, shared, and hugged. This was the first time for me to be a part of such a wonderful friendship like a family.
The first keynote session was "Promising healthcare" Even so more than the content I was surprised by other participants' questions for speakers. I was full of understanding, but they were making their own opinions on new topics. They have not only knowledge but also curiosity about everything. Positive motivation inspired me as learning more and start new things.
At lunchtime, fish, pork, chicken, and vegetarian options were naturally prepared. Basically in Japan, those are more expensive or not delicious so I tried ones. It was also in the dinner dishes and one of my best friends choose vegetarian for the environment.
Climate Action
Today's Hunds-on-session was "Climate Action"
We rearranged the cards such as the "Paris Agreement" and "Ø mark" which is finding organic foods so I thought if Japan creates a kind of mark for sustainable Washoku, more people want to come to Japan.
Thenceforth, we went outside to experiment with how water works on different grounds. The soil was less absorptive than concrete or prosaic pads thus I realized we have to use nature powers. Compare with countries' challenges, Japan has had less snow on the top of Mt.Fuji for these few years so I shared about it.
Finally, we made a presentation of solution ideas for a climate problem. With four values included Economic, Social, Environmental, and Consequence of flooding were the basis for discussion and so we make a score of the circle. One of the members from India shared that woter flood surrounded his house, in such wise we suggested building a wall and water road connecting the lake to the river. The other group gave us so much difficult questions and I couldn’t answer them.
Day 2 (8/Aug)
Challenge
I was considering socializing all day and to make a question in the keynote session. Hopefully, the topic was about sustainable food, they explained seaweed, insects, and. So, I tried to ask
"What do you think of the Japanese traditional food system which includes fish to eat delicious but eco-friendly style."
Then, the speaker answered,
"It is one of the solutions. It must be known by many people."
This experience changed my weakness into being more active and motivated in the community.
Hunds-on session was "Zero Hunger." We had an experiment to produce ammonium. I wanted to thank Japanese education since I was able to use every instrument with no problem regardless I was younger than other participants. However, I couldn’t find out why this experiment is connected to zero hunger all the time.
Tour
In the evening we had a short trip to central Copenhagen. On the boat, we took a lot of pictures of beautiful weather and I got a new dream that living in a modern apartment next to the canal in the future.
Dinner was at Øens Have, the largest urban farm restaurant in Scandinavia, and also a garden tour. I tried Liquorice, a Danish famous plant that has unique flavors, I thought I wouldn’t be able to accept this taste…
Day 3 (9/Aug)
Team building
At Camp Adventure, we had group opposition games, nervous breakdowns, and ladder bombs. Our group wasn’t a champion but I believe we were the funniest team in the FSSC:)
Stevns Klint
There was a woman singing with a beautiful voice inside the pyramid. I was really surprised the woman came to me directly to hand over the stone. That was a magical, spiritual but definitely wonderful experience because I liked the atmosphere at that time.
Day 4 (10/Aug)
Make difference
The speaker talked about an alternative plastic material, PHA. One girl from India asked,
"This is kind for the environment but has less economic value. If normal plastic would forbid, more poor people would be difficulty to be a good life. What do you think?"
That was a question, only people who faced the issue in the country can ask. This was the best thing many people of different backgrounds were gathered in one place. I really appreciate that I can learn, I don’t have to worry to live, and I can have a dream in my life.
The main activity was Novo Nordisk's production facility tour. They produce insulin pens in Copenhagen with sustainable circulation such as recycling plastic and working with music. The floor looks colorful, made from old plastic was beautiful. Nothing "dark image of facilities" were there, employees were proactive and seemed to be loving the work.
Find new hobby
While the fourth hands-on session, I suddenly fell asleep. Probably because of a new lifestyle, staying up late every day, and difficulty learning. Therefore I took a nap for half an hour on the sofa, and some sweets. When I back, they were measuring their body ability, jumping, running, and cycling. The funniest thing was dancing, we dance to "What makes you beautiful" and the other traditional dance to measure the change in heartbeat. I liked Skibidi, the Danish one the best, and I am into Dancing now.
Danish people love bonfires. In the shelter which is surrounded by wood was a cheerful atmosphere with the greatest sunset. I took a lot of pictures with my besties, this has been the best memory of my whole life. I strongly hoped this time would continue forever…
Day 5 (11/Aug)
The camp would be over soon. I was crying since morning.
The final session was about careers in STEM. One professor had been waking in the same laboratory for thirty years but another speaker has experienced seventeen jobs including management in a biotech company and a science teacher in these ten years. I was relieved as there are many ways of life and being a part of science is not only to be a professor. I haven’t thought specific dream yet.
Even if that is the case, I am a Future Scientist.
And I will live as a Scientist all my life.
This is what I decided in FSSC.
We wrote a letter to my future in a year. The sentence I remember is only
"You have to learn more and more. The world has been changing and you might be left behind."
After that, we had a hug time. We made a circle, a few people went to the center, and searched for the person I want to hug. For instance, "Who talked me a crazy story?"
I was confused because five people hugged me at that time.
There is no hug culture in Japan. Still, I could adapt to the moment with everyone who shared the time in FSSC. I come to like this culture once again.
Actually, people were crazy that night. The counselor allowed us to do the party, moreover, they didn’t make time to turn off the lights. The party was amazing. Everybody sings and dances until midnight and I was one of them. The unbelievably loud sound of music and flashed colorful lights which I was unable to take hauled my favorite. I felt this should be held in Japan sometimes.
Colombians, Kenyans, and Mexicans would leave FSSC in the early morning because of their flight. I promised a roommate, Don't sleep this night. We promised to visit each country.
The farewell was sadder than anything in my life.
I noticed how I love my new friends.
I will never forget this week.
And I will see you in the future with more progressive mine.
The next day was mostly farewell, too…
Lastly, I would like to introduce my favorite quote about the future.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Thank you very much for reading the text through to the end.
Have a wonderful time!!!