This month, we interviewed Ms. Janit A. Fermin. She is a YWD District Chief at the same time a member of Diamond Kotekitai of the SGI Philippines.

When she was in her 2nd year college, her family faced a financial crisis that prevented her from schooling. Obviously, her family business was in hot water. Being determined to go back to school on the next trimester, she strived in SGI activities and studied Sensei guidance and the gosho, trying to apply each of them to her daily life.

Despite the situation, her mother, who was the first to have joined the SGI in her family, didn't seem discouraged, or rather, warmly encouraged her. Then, she was able to win an academic scholarship that exempted her from all tuition fees. Her family business also began to run smoothly. This experience deepened her faith in Gohonzon and turned to be an actual proof to her friends.

She participated in the SGI World Youth Training Course in Japan last July 2006, with the three other YD members from the Philippines.

Q & A Interview

Q.1 What was the most impressive event during the Youth Division Training Course in Japan?

The event that really impressed me during the training course was the thoughtfulness shown by Ikeda Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda. Because, from the time we arrived at the airport till the time of departure going back to our country, they never fail to send us messages, guidance and encouragement at each meeting we attended. They even cared about our health condition during our stay. Despite their hectic schedule, Ikeda Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda found time to do so. Their thoughtfulness deeply touched me and made me think that I should become like them towards my fellow members.

I was also touched by warm welcome we received from the members in Japan. I cannot forget when we went to Tochigi prefecture for an exchange meeting. The members were very energetic and in high spirit. They seemed to be like one big family or very close friends, and I almost cried when we were leaving the place. I was very moved when they said, "Farewell for now! Please take care and see you again!"

Q.2 Please tell us about your encounter with Sensei Ikeda at the 62nd Headquarters Leaders Meeting.

When I saw Sensei Ikeda and Mrs. Ikeda at the Headquarters Leaders Meeting, I was so happy and moved that I cannot describe the feelings even now…. Listening to his speech, I realized that everything I did for SGI-Philippines in the past was still not good enough, and that I needed to exert more efforts to meet our mentor's expectation. Hard-fought struggles of the three presidents of the Soka Gakkai must be our guiding path in order to achieve our goal.

I can still remember the guidance that Sensei Ikeda gave us during the Headquarters Leaders Meeting that goes, "Our future victory rests on whether we can successfully foster capable people. Everything depends on the youth of the next generation"; and he continued quoting President Toda's guidance:

     "the strength of the youth is like the strength demonstrated by the
      participants in a beach sumo-wrestling match who are armed only with
      their own ability. Competing and armed with honors or titles is no true
      test of strength... it all comes down to how strong one is as individual
      human being, to whether or not one has the strength and determination
     to contribute to people's happiness."

Q.3 What is your specific goal and resolution in SGI activities?

Sensei's guidance during the Headquarters Leaders Meeting deepened my resolution to foster capable leaders, who are full of compassion to others, courage to fight against evil, wisdom to solve any kind of problem and life force to face any situation. How can we raise such capable leaders?

One way is, I think, to continuously encourage the members. I am now doing my utmost in visiting each YWD member after I came back from Japan. They usually have various problems that inhibit them from attending the SGI activities, so I encourage them to chant daimoku and pray with a strong belief in the Gohonzon, never doubting the fact that they could attend the SGI activities freely soon. When I see some YWD members being able to attend our meetings after my home visit, I feel so happy.

Another way is to set a good example to young members. To do so, we need a good mentor whom we can follow, and in this respect, we are so lucky that we already have the greatest mentor, Sensei Ikeda. I will do my very best to follow his steps to meet his expectations.

                                                                 (Interviewed by Taeko & Rio)