Hello everyone.
This may be a sudden change, but I’d like to read some lyrics to you.

Transparent drops of melting snow seep into the soil
Flowers and trees wake up from the frozen earth
Don't give up on your long journey, keep walking
I can hear the voice calling from my heart
Welcome back, Welcome back
To a gentle place where seeds sprout
Welcome back, Welcome back
To the place where I begin
welcome home

Lyrics and composition by Naohito Sekiguchi “The place where I begin.”
Musician Naohito Sekiguchi wrote this music for the “Yume no Mori stage performance” performed last February.
“Listen carefully to the past, encounter diverse values, explore what you like, and cultivate it...” It contains a many messages.
This is a masterpiece that could only be written by Naohito Sekiguchi, who has always been close to Yume no Mori.
Every time I read these lyrics, I am reminded of the snowy scenery and gentle smiles of Aizuwakamatsu, where Manabiya Yume no Mori was cultivated.
The lyrics “Where I begin” jumped out from the song and became a famous phrase for Yume no Mori.

“Where I begin”
Right here in Yume no Mori, there is a staff member who is starting their first year in a new career.
Today we would like to introduce our new designer, Rina Hamao.

"Working life" begins in Yume no Mori.
It's been a week since the second chapter of Yume no Mori began.
What kind of thoughts do you have now as a new member of society?
Here is what she had to say.

“I was very nervous on the first day. No, all I felt was anxiety (lol).
I have the impression that Yume no Mori is different from a typical school...
I wonder if it's okay for me (as a teacher) to know just the basics... I wonder if I can help...
But after a week, I felt a little relieved, or rather excited!”

Why did she have such a change of heart?
After showing a beaming smile, Ms. Hamao continues:

“The teachers here are relatively close to my age. It's like I have a lot of older brothers and sisters (lol). Thet are very easy to talk to and they made me feel at ease.”

Am I included as an "Older Brother"? Although I was a little nervous, I persevered and listened.

“As a teacher, I still don't have a "this is it" thing. Of course.
However, when I saw all the teachers working together and working hard, I thought, well, I just need to figure it out from now on. This is the place where you can do that...”

I burst out laughing many times during this story.
Your bright smile is your strength!
Ms. Hamao smiles at a little girl from the nursery school who passes by in the distance.
What kind of child was she?

“I have been playing softball since I was little. My father originally played softball, so it came naturally. My position is catcher.”

Oh, so that must mean you like physical education,

“No, I also do classical ballet (laughs).
I loved both of them so I couldn't decide on one, or maybe that's why I couldn't master either (lol). However, I was able to meet a really good mentor who supported me so that I could balance both. I am still in touch with the teachers from that time.”

I see, I thought that such an experience was what nurtured her dream of becoming a teacher, and when I turned to her, she said,
"Well·····."
After thinking for a moment, Ms. Hamao speaks again.

“I've always been the type of person who likes to do orthodox things.
I guess I'm better at doing exactly what I'm told to do... I felt anxious and I didn't like that I could not see what was ahead.
So, up until high school, I was doing the same thing as everyone else. I'm afraid of trying something new and failing... I'm worried about what people around me think...
However, when I entered university, I moved away from my parents and encountered various views. At that point, I started thinking, “Huh? Should I just stay like this?” and “It's boring as it is.”

What kind of turning point did that bring about?

What am I? When I reconsidered what my strengths were,
I thought, ``I really love interacting with people!''
Although I have some anxiety issues, I say, ``I want to interact with people! That's what makes me happy.''
So, at university, I researched the theme of community development. I want to do a job that connects people. That's why at first I thought I wanted to work for a local government.
But when you think about it, kids love it just as much.
So, what kind of job can you do both? When I thought about this, I wanted to became a teacher.
It's possible to connect and build a community while interacting with children at school!”

As I wrote here the other day, I hope that ``Yume no Mori'' will be a place of learning for everyone, regardless of whether they are children or adults. Our hope is for local residents and customers to feel free to come and go at any time, and for this to be a place where people can slowly connect with one another through the library. Of course, there are many issues such as security issues, but more than anything, I want to co-create a place for education that is open to society. This is my wish.
“Connect with people, connect people.”
My heart resonates with Ms. Hamao's heart.

Our school is the perfect fit for Ms. Hamao.

The “Yume no Mori Opening Ceremony” will finally be held on Monday the 8th next week.
Finally, Ms. Hamao said.

To be honest, I'm feeling confused... I might not be able to teach the class well...
However, I would like to cherish my feelings of “interacting with people” and get to know children as soon as possible.
I want to do my best so that I and everyone else can think, “Ah, I'm so glad I came here!”

This is "the place where I begin."
As I listened to Ms. Hamao speak honestly, part of the Yume no Mori vision, ``cherishing you,'' repeated over and over in my head.