Terry Ito Column Vol.1 Youth can be a burden at times

Hello everyone, I'm Terry Ito. I'm going to start a serialization in the Student Newspaper Online.
It's been several decades since I attended university. Some of you may wonder how I can understand the feelings of today's students, but the truth is, I was a student until recently, and just graduated from the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University (SFC) this March. While I was a student, I often spent the night talking with my young classmates.
I would like to start this series with the hope that my experiences, including these ones, will be of some use to you in your student life. Thank you!

Have you ever been told these words by your parents or seniors?
"You're young, you can do anything."
"Why not try anything without being afraid of failure? You're still young."
"The possibilities are endless."
I was often told this by working adults around me when I was in university. I always replied "Thank you," but deep down I was worried that they would say something like that to me and I still couldn't decide what I wanted to do in the future.

Isn't youth sometimes a burden?
I had time, but it was passing by in vain. What should I do? At that time, I wandered the streets searching for myself.
What will happen from now on? I'm such a loser... One day, as I lay down on a bench in the park, feeling completely lost, I had an epiphany.
That's right, what is the most fun thing that has happened in my life so far, what has moved me to tears? Perhaps there are hints for my future career there!

My favorite memory is a folk song concert that I organized during my second year of university.
It was extremely difficult, as I had to go to the music clubs of each university to request performances at the concert, sell tickets, and arrange the venue, all while feeling my way around. However, my hard work paid off, and the concert was a huge success, with a full house. As the MC, I couldn't stop crying when the curtain came down to end the show. Wanting to experience that same emotion again, I decided to enter the entertainment world and pursue a career as a director.

I'm sure there are some of you who are unsure about your future. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own life.
What was fun and what moved you at that time?
Your wonderful future is surely hidden within!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry