Aya Kiyosawa shares her personal experience of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as a seven-year-old in Sendai, and how the disaster shaped her perspective on daily life, resilience, and human connection. From the fear and uncertainty of losing familiar comforts to the kindness of neighbors who shared their hot water, these memories continue to influence how she views relationships and community today. She reflects on the importance of telling such stories—not only to preserve the memory of the disaster, but also to remind us that everyday life is precious, and that bonds with others can be the strongest support in times of hardship. Aya Kiyosawa is a 21-year-old student at Akita International University, originally from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Having lived through the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake at the age of seven, she has since been committed to sharing her story as a way to preserve memory and foster resilience in others. Aya is passionate about languages and music—she has studied English and Korean, participated in a study-abroad program in Seoul, and now composes and performs with her band near campus. Through her studies, her music, and her storytelling, Aya continues to explore how human connection and community can help us overcome hardship and cherish everyday life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx