One year later and I’m still alive!! This past weekend marked the one year anniversary of being in Japan.. I can’t believe a year has gone by! I remember sitting on the plane thinking “It’ll be okay… it’s only a year.. one year and I’ll come back” well, I was wrong. People who told me I was going to love it here and I was going to have so much fun… I hate that you were right but I’m also happy you were right. This past year was crazy (that’s the easy way to say it). I was tested in every way imaginable and felt probably every emotion. Being in Japan has definitely shaped me into a different person (hopefully for the better..?). I came in not knowing the language or how to teach English (those haven’t really changed); I was responsible for myself was, living alone for the first time, and was viewed as an adult (score!). I was starting a new life here; this was my fresh start.
While I like the idea of having a fresh start, it’s a giant roller coaster of emotions. Leaving the familiar and jumping into the unfamiliar. It is both exhilarating and terrifying. You meet new people who have walked different paths in life. I’ve learn about a different culture, their social norms, and their history. It’s opened my eyes, broadened my horizon, exposed me to different ways of thinking, gives you opportunity to hear the other side of the story. It can change your points of views and strengthened my beliefs. Japan has changed me in ways I don’t think America ever could or ever will. What is so great about living in Mito is that I’ve met not only Japanese and American people, but people from all over the world. So much growth happens when you live abroad I wish someone told me that in college! Actually, I’m sure someone did tell me that but I didn’t listen (sorry Mom and Dad) /didn’t make the effort to try harder to study abroad.
Looking back on this past year and all the memories I have made, despite all the downs, I’m happy I’m here, and I’m happy I’m staying a second year. I’ve learned a lot and I’m excited to learn more. There’s much that needs to be done before I leave Japan. So much more traveling (and studying). I’m excited to see what this second year will bring and what adventures are in store. Maybe by the time I leave Japan I’ll know how to speak Japanese, teach English, and know the secrets of traveling. At least now if I’m under pressure to speak I won’t speak German. Instead, I blurt out a random noise, stare for about 5 seconds and then respond in what I think is Japanese.. To anyone else it doesn’t make any sense… Baby steps though I guess.
