The club has received an email from past Rotary Global Scholar Hikaru Sato with much news regarding her career and family. Hikaru may be returning to Melbounre in May to attend her graduation ceremony. Her Master's thesis, the culmination of her time in Melbourne, has now been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Read Hiakru's very interesting email below.
Rotary Global Scholar Hikaru Sato from Japan made many friends at the club during her time in Melbourne. Since returning to her homeland she has made an outstanding start to her new career in public health.
Dear members of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie,
I hope this message finds you well. This is Hikaru Sato, who completed my graduate studies in Australia last year, thanks to your generous support. As one year has now passed since my return to Japan, I would like to take this opportunity to share a brief update and to express my sincere thanks once again.
Hikaru was always a willing helper on club projects, when time permitted. Pictured with PP Charles Tran and Ivy
I wish I could have wrote emails earlier, but this past year has gone by very quickly, filled with work and many responsibilities. Balancing full-time work, the publication of my thesis, and caring for my family was at times challenging, but it was also a year filled with valuable learning and experiences. Professionally, I have been working mainly in the fields of dementia, mental health, and global health, engaging in policy research and advocacy, as well as helping to plan and deliver related events.
At work, I have been working mainly in the areas of dementia, mental health, and global health. My work focuses on research and policy recommendations, as well as planning and organising related events. Some of my main activities this year include:
In addition, I am very pleased to share that my master’s thesis has been formally published in a peer-reviewed journal. I truly appreciate my supervisor supported this publication even after I graduated from the university.
Hikaru with her proud parents at the club meeting on September 7th 2023
Looking back, I truly believe that without the support of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie, I would not have been able to pursue the path I am on today. I remain deeply thankful for the opportunity you gave me, and I will try to continue contributing to society through policy research and advocacy that reflects the real needs of patients and communities.
On a personal note, this year also brought some difficult moments, as my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, it was detected at an early stage thanks to regular health check-ups, which reminded me of the importance of prevention and early detection.
As the weather gets colder, I hope you are all keeping warm and well!! Although I have settled back into life in Japan, I do miss Melbourne very much. I always enjoy reading the newsletters from the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and seeing photos of you and your activities, which bring back many fond memories.
I am sorry for this long long message. I very much look forward to the opportunity to see you again. If any of you visit Japan in the future, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Wishing you all good health and happiness, and hoping that the coming year will be a fulfilling and rewarding one for everyone.
