My Journey of Self-Development at the Ikeda Center

In 2024,  the Ikeda Center was chosen as a partner institution in Harvard’s Mindich Service Fellowship program, in which Harvard undergraduates join local public service organizations for summer internships. Our first intern was Olanrewaju (Lanre) Adeyanju, a rising senior from Georgia who assisted in the planning and administration of Ikeda Center programs, even acting as a co-moderator at two Dialogue Nights events. It was an enriching experience for all involved, so we asked Lanre to share some reflections about what her time at the Ikeda Center meant to her. We were delighted to learn that through participation in our community she was able to experience joyful processes of self-development and self-reflection.

Lanre Adeyanju: My Ikeda Center Experience

I sometimes tell myself that the universe brought the Ikeda Center to me in the chronological order of my life events, so that I may continue my journey of self-transformation and grow deeper in knowledge and understanding. And I say this repeatedly because it feels true. I can’t imagine spending this past summer in any other way other than this enriching experience with the Center. Prior to officially joining, I did not expect to be the most enthusiastic student of the Center and its founders’ principles, nor did I anticipate the experience of self-discovery that would soon ensue as I entered into my role as a program intern at the Center. However, what I’ve discovered here at the Ikeda Center by engaging with its core convictions, performing my daily tasks, interacting with coworkers, and constantly entering the spiritual sanctuary provided by so many life affirming dialogues, is what happens when opportunity meets conviction. 

From the first day entering the work space, I felt at ease; it was almost as if the Center’s and founder’s comforting energy was radiating out and giving me a cozy hug. This is not to say that I didn’t feel jitters on the first day, but despite that, I felt a sense of warmth and kindness that embodied everything this learning Center for stands for. All this was evident in my first few interactions with my coworkers. Thankfully, it accompanied and guided me throughout the rest of my experience.

I discovered that by working at the Center, I was able to engage in a process of self-development. In doing so, I’ve gained confidence in my skills, ideas, and myself in general. Performing my duties I was able to learn from so many sources: the philosophies and teachings I was engaging with, the motivational quotes, the works of community peacebuilders in various life fields, and the teachings of Buddhist humanism, All this has transformed me profoundly and helped me embark on this journey of self-reformation that Daisaku Ikeda himself frequently spoke of and that is essential to societal reform — truly encouraging me to be the change I want to see in the world! 

This experience has not only increased my confidence in my ability to complete a wide range of tasks on a consistent basis, but it has also challenged my mind to bring forth the ideas I have in my head to life and properly execute them. And, more importantly, it has helped me reclaim my lost hope and motivation and has ushered an explorative process of learning how to live peacefully.

My interning experience at the Ikeda Center has also helped me strengthen many of my work-life weaknesses and incertitudes. I’ve learned to not just accept but rather enjoy differences and opposition of ideas, viewing them as opportunities to improve on the notion that inspired the initial idea rather than as a rejection of the thought itself. I’ve also improved my listening skills and have become more comfortable employing dialogue to express myself at work, which has spilled over into other aspects of my life, as I am more honest with myself, people around me, and in my relationships. 

In addition to being a process of self-development, my experience has been a perpetual cycle of self-reflection. Whether it’s by reading Daisaku Ikeda materials or reflecting on the responses of event participants. or even by reading write-ups from previous events — all of these experiences have made me tremendously self-reflective. I’ve been able to resonate deeply with many attendees’ contributions. And by constantly engaging with the dialogues and concepts that most resonate with me, as well as writing about how I feel about key assertions, I’ve been able to sort through some of my own emotions as well. It felt like journaling at work! And I am very grateful for the experience. 

Ultimately, my personal experience as a program intern at the Ikeda Center helped me strengthen my own spiritual connection. This experience has been one that profoundly touched and transformed my inner convictions, teaching me how to be a better global citizen and human, and for that I am forever grateful.