How a Student Grew as a Community Leader, Inspired by MVP

In a previous blog post Where Japanese student developers grow their powerWe shared a story Kenta IwasakiA Japanese Microsoft MVP who actively supports the growth of students. About two years have passed since then, and one of the students mentored by Kenta has grown into a community leader and was selected as a new Microsoft MVP in August 2024.

In this blog post, we look back on our journey as a new Developer Technologies MVP. Kaito Tsutsumi Tell us about your experiences from community service as a student to being selected as an MVP, and what message you would like to give to students who want to learn technology to grow.

Taking your first steps in high school, meeting MVPs in college, and becoming a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador

Kaito’s community involvement can be traced back to his high school days, when he simply posted a technical article that he thought would be interesting. The warm comments he received inspired him to continue writing technical articles and speaking at technical events. After entering college, he participated in events. MVP x Student Meeting@TsukubaIt was held in his hometown, where he met Microsoft MVPs. This meeting further fueled his passion. He recalls, “I became more passionate about contributing to the community because I was interested in activities that spread my expertise and my favorite technologies.”

Later Kaito Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador And he began to focus on activities for fellow students in the community. However, with the global pandemic limiting in-person events, he had to find creative ways to provide high-quality online events. He successfully organized engaging online events with his colleagues.

In the fall of 2022, with increased opportunities for in-person events, Kaito and his fellow Student Ambassadors hosted their first hybrid event. MS Tech Camp 2nd Anniversary EventIt marked the first time he was able to interact directly with his peers and community members. He also hosted events. MLSA Graduation and Welcome Party He left the following spring to finish his student days, and everyone was happy to congratulate him. “That was the moment when I felt that all the effort I had put into community activities was worth it,” he recalls.

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Speaker .NET Conf 2022 Recap Event Tokyo (X Post)

Kaito Tsutsumi and Takumi Okawa (former Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors) and Masaki Takeuchi (Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador)

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Kenta Iwasaki, a Microsoft MVP who supports student growth and works with the technology community, recalls Kaito’s time as a student as a rare example of combining deep and broad technical expertise, saying, “Kaito was recognized by other student members for his broad knowledge and skills.” He particularly remembers Kaito’s friendly nature and willingness to teach and mentor other students, and highlights his excellent communication skills and significant contributions to the community.

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Lessons learned from community experts

Many of the people Kaito met at tech events during his student years were professionals who balanced busy careers with community activities. He was impressed by their passionate involvement despite their busy schedules. “I learned from them how to approach technology and community with passion. I try to implement that same spirit in my daily life,” he recalls, reflecting on how this experience influenced his current mindset.

Future Aspirations as a New Microsoft MVP

Kaito was once a student learning from experts including MVPs, but now he is a person who supports students and expands community activities, which includes hosting events and writing technical blogs. As a result, he won the Microsoft MVP award.

Looking back on these achievements, Kaito describes his future goals as follows: “I want to continue my personal development, community activities, and technology promotion while increasing my efforts. I plan to cover more advanced and niche technologies in OSS development and technology demos, and share the knowledge I have gained as much as possible. Just as MVPs have been admired in the past, I want to become an MVP that others can admire.”

Future support activities for the student community and a message to students

Having gained a lot of inspiration, knowledge and valuable opportunities from the tech community during his student days, Kaito aims to support students in the same way. He is passionate about providing opportunities for students to start community activities and encourage them to share their knowledge. “Starting anything is a challenge, especially for students who may be afraid of sharing their knowledge in a professional environment. I want to motivate students by showing them what I enjoy through the warm atmosphere and activities of the community. As a Microsoft MVP, I want to create a system that enables motivated students to succeed in the tech community, such as: Babylon.js Japan and Iwaken Lab” he says.

For students who want to learn and grow in technology, Kaito offers words of encouragement based on his own experience.

“The IT field is evolving so quickly that it’s hard to keep up with trends, and it’s easy to feel negative when comparing yourself to the impressive people around you. For me, my love of technology has been a powerful support. During college, my life has been enriched by focusing on the technology I like the most and working to master it. So even if your interest seems niche or useless, find a technology you like and apply it passionately to your career.”

The Impact of Microsoft MVPs Supporting the Next Generation

Kenta’s support, which has had a major impact on Kaito’s growth, continues to help students through three main pillars: (1) supporting students to express their aspirations, (2) coaching them to develop their individual strengths, and (3) encouraging them to take on challenges in new environments. For example, he and his community members participate in the following activities: The challenge of co-creation The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai exhibition will be held at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, helping students gain practical experience and enhance their expertise.

Kaito started community activities in high school, and met Microsoft MVPs and experts during his college years, enjoyed being active in the tech community, and expanded his potential. This story shows how learning and growing together beyond school and work creates a path, and represents an ideal vision of a tech community where people gather around a common interest in technology.

Microsoft MVPs like Kenta have helped many students on their learning and growth journeys. Even if you are not currently involved in such activities, why not share your knowledge and experience with students and help develop the next generation of technology professionals?

Microsoft MVP, Professional Community Leader, Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Speaker, .NET Conf 2022 Recap Event Tokyo(X Post)