I was going through some files on my computer last night and came across a lot of cool things. Mostly, old poems I wrote in high school, none oh which I will be sharing! But, instead I came across an essay that I wrote about wanting to live and work in Japan. I know, that most of you have heard it, read it, or tried to get me to stop talking about Japan...but it's not going to happen anytime soon!
With post 100 I thought I would share with you that essay. I hope you enjoy it and I hope that you continue to keep reading! Moving to Japan isn't going to be an end of my blog but a new beginning...cheesy as that sounds. So, instead of boring you with words...here is the essay.
From the age of ten I have always had a fascination with Japanese culture. I’m not sure how to explain it other than saying that this passion didn’t come from my surroundings. I grew up in Texas, about as far away from Japan as you can be! I taught myself how to use chopsticks and wouldn’t eat a meal without them. As I got older I realized that my passion for Japan coupled with my compassion for helping and teaching others was a perfect fit. When I was eighteen I got the opportunity to go on a trip to Japan. I had just graduated high school and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. While I was in Japan I quickly began to realize that this was the place I needed to be. I immediately fell in love with the people I encountered and the spirit of Japan took me over.
It wouldn’t be for another eight years that I would once again get the chance to visit Japan. Once again my trip was a sign that Japan was where I needed to be. The summer I spent in 2008 was memorable for many reasons, mainly the children I got to work with while I was there. Being able to teach and interact with kids made everyday worth waking up early for. There wasn’t a night that I wasn’t out exploring the city, finding new places to eat, or stopping by a vending machine to experience something new.
For me, Japan has been a place for me to experience life in a completely new and exciting way. It has allowed me to see the person I am inside; adventurous and excited to try new things. Unfortunately for my friends here in the states it makes them hesitant to even bring up the subject of Japan for fear of me sharing another story. Going to Japan for me always reminds me of when I was child on Christmas morning. There is always an excitement of the unknown and the thrill of adventure.
Living and working in Japan would be a dream come true and a life experience that I would be proud of. Japan makes me feel like I’m a part of something bigger than myself. I have always felt welcome in Japan as if I were returning home from a long trip. Living in Lancaster Pennsylvania has made it hard for me to find good Japanese food, so I always make sure that I try and experience as many different types of foods while I’m in Japan, not limited to my eating of natto.
As I said before Japan has always been a great host to me and teaching in Japan would be something that I would never forget. As for teaching in Japan, I love being able to work with students and help them grasp the difficulties associated with learning a new language. No matter the age of the student we are never too old to learn new things. Being in Japan would afford me the opportunity to not only teach, but to be taught.
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2 comments:
I wanna read the poetry!
Oh no you don't! Haha...there is a reason why I don't post such things.
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