Manaboodle

Manaboodle blends the concept of learning—captured in the Japanese word "Manabu"—with the creative act of doodling. It helps users connect the dots of their significant life events, where each dot represents a moment of synchronicity or a key experience. This process allows individuals to reflect on their life patterns, make informed decisions, and gain deeper insights into how their past shapes their future. By integrating learning and creativity, Manaboodle guides users to navigate their life journey with greater clarity and purpose.

1969: Sesame Street Launches in the U.S.

Date: November 10, 1969

Significance: The launch of Sesame Street marked a revolution in children's education and television, blending entertainment with education. It became a powerful tool in early childhood development and remains a global phenomenon, reaching millions of children worldwide.

1969: Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Date: July 20, 1969

Significance: Apollo 11, the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon, marked one of humanity's greatest achievements. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's successful landing and return symbolized a major victory in the Space Race and expanded human possibilities in space exploration.

1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall

Date: November 9, 1989

Significance: The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the division between East and West Germany. This event led to the reunification of Germany and became a significant moment in the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe.

1991: End of Apartheid in South Africa

Date: 1991 (Officially ended with the first multiracial elections in 1994)

Significance: The dismantling of apartheid in South Africa marked the end of a brutal system of racial segregation and discrimination. Nelson Mandela's release from prison and subsequent election as president in 1994 symbolized a new era of equality and democracy in South Africa.

2001: September 11 Attacks

Date: September 11, 2001

Significance: The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, were a pivotal moment in global history, leading to significant changes in U.S. and international security policies. The attacks resulted in widespread fear, the launch of the War on Terror, and long-lasting impacts on international relations and civil liberties.

Joan Ganz Cooney

Joan Ganz Cooney is a co-founder of Sesame Street and one of the pioneers behind its creation. Her work in television has had a lasting impact on children's education, revolutionizing the way educational content is delivered to young audiences.

Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong was an astronaut and the first human to walk on the moon. His "one small step for man" became a defining moment in human history, symbolizing the success of the Apollo 11 mission.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, known for his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). His leadership contributed to the end of the Cold War and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall, leading to significant changes in global politics.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary and the first Black president of South Africa. His leadership was instrumental in dismantling apartheid and establishing democracy, making him a global symbol of peace and reconciliation.

George W. Bush

George W. Bush was the President of the United States during the September 11 attacks. His response to the attacks, including the initiation of the War on Terror, defined much of his presidency and had a lasting impact on international relations.

Moving Forward

I aspired to be a professional volleyball player, so I entered a prestigious high school on a scholarship. But in my second year, I injured my back, and my dream was shattered. Without volleyball, there seemed to be no hope of going to college. Since there was no specialist in my hometown, I commuted to a remote city for treatment. On one of those trips, I found myself sitting next to the owner of a college prep school. He invited me to attend his school during my last summer in high school.

I went, but I couldn’t find anything that sparked my interest or gave me direction for my life. Disheartened, I returned to apologize to the teacher. But instead of disappointment, he said, "If you can't find what you're looking for in Japan, go to America." That was the first major turning point in my life, and by the following fall, I found myself in Los Angeles. Before I left, he added, "Always move forward."

You Are Meant to Be Here

Reflecting on my past, I realize not only did I make it to America, but years later, I also made it to Harvard. On the first day of school, one of the professors addressed the crowd of newly admitted students in a large auditorium, shouting, "You are meant to be here!" The audience erupted in cheers, and I couldn't help but remember my teacher's words: "Always move forward."

On my way home, I passed by the footbridge that many students cross every day to go to Harvard. At the foot of the bridge, there was a chalk inscription that read, "You are meant to be here." Those words must have inspired countless students, including myself.