How Do We Source Wisdom from Our Community?   

In this project, students imagined, designed, and built a Human Resource Map of Hakuba. To populate the map, they identified people they found inspiring and interesting. They then contacted these individuals and planned and led in-depth interviews about their careers, lives, and interests. In doing so, students asked, “What wisdom and support can Hakuba residents offer to HIS?” and “What can we as HIS students offer to Hakuba residents?”

After conducting these interviews, students produced full interview transcripts and wrote biographical narratives based on the information they collected. In parallel, they learned the technical skills needed to navigate ArcGIS, an online platform used to create digital interactive maps. Using these skills, the students designed a final map that included not only factual information about Hakuba residents and how they could serve as resources, but also biographical narratives showing who they are as complex, multifaceted human beings.

Of course, not all Hakuba residents appeared on this map; this project was just the beginning, and the map can continue to grow as the school community grows.