I am 16 days away from 6th grade graduation, 18 days from closing ceremony, and 24 days away from saying goodbye to my teachers, students, and my life as I know it in Mito. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three years since I left my life in America to start a new one in Japan. I’ve met so many people, made a lot of new friends, and have grown personally and spiritually in ways I never imagined.
Edit: Post graduation and post closing ceremony.
What a hard two weeks it’s been! In all honesty, I did not think it was going to be this hard to say goodbye to my students and teachers. In Japan, teachers don’t get a say if they stay or leave their current school, the prefecture moves them. The downside of being employed by the prefecture instead of the school but on the bright side, these teachers know they will always have a job. The teachers find out the last week of school which gives them the week they find out and one week over spring break to clean everything out before using the second week to get situated in their new schools for the school year. typically, they’re not allowed to tell students whether or not they are leaving at the end of the month when they have a big farewell ceremony and can give a speech to the school thanking them. I think if I were a student, I would have a hard time with this. But at the same time, this is all they know.
Lucky for me, I think because 1. I’m the English teacher and 2. I’m leaving the country for good, I had permission to tell my students I was leaving was March rolled around. I was surprised how many students were sad by this news and even more surprised with the flowers and cards I received the day I said my final goodbye.
The time I’ve spent in Japan has been life changing. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the Japanese culture. I’ve grown in every way except physically (as much as I wish I could). I never thought I would be sad to say goodbye to Japan, or that I would be counting the days to the next time I touch down in Tokyo. But my tickets are (almost) booked, and the plans are being made so I’ll be returning shortly! Too soon? It’s never too soon.
Thank you Japan and the friends and family I’ve made. You’ve helped transform me into a functioning adult and have helped me learn a lot about myself. I will never forget my time there and the experiences I had.
またね、日本！
