Tomorrow marks one month since I arrived here in Tokyo and I've been reflecting about what I've done and what lies ahead. It seems like the month went both very slow and very quick if that makes any sense. I like to think I'm at the point where everything is a little more familiar and I'm not amazed at everything for its newness or inherent Japanese "cuteness", but everyday I do seem to have a moment where I marvel that I'm actually here in Japan doing this, speaking Japanese. How far I'm away from home and how different it all is.
I've also been thinking about why I decided to come here, what attracted me to Japan. It's a question that I get asked often and I often ask myself. There are people on this program who probably have far clearer reasons for being here, whether they see a future here or becoming fluent in the language for a defined purpose. Some people got interested in Japanese anime or film in high school or have family or friends that are Japanese and were drawn here for those reasons. I came because I had studied the language at school for two years, but I'm pretty sure I didn't have a clear reason why I started it in the first place. Somehow I'm here in Japan, even though I'm not always sure for what purpose.
I guess what I saw in Japan was a challenge, something new that I've always wanted to do. I've never been out of the country before, so coming here was a big step for me. I sometimes think how it would have been easier to have stayed back home with my friends at school or at least chosen to study abroad in a place where I can actually communicate with everyone. But now I realize that wasn't what I wanted. Language certainly isn't my strength; if I'd followed those I'd have been a math major. But I've always been attracted to starting fresh, putting myself in a new or difficult situation or location and seeing how I react.
I have no idea what these remaining five months will bring. It may get easier and feel more comfortable; it may not. I might actually become pretty good at speaking the language, but I hope the knowledge I acquire here goes deeper than just kanji and chopstick skills. It's the challenge of everyday life that excites me and what I look forward to the most. Here's hoping the rest of the journey is as intriguing as the start.
I've also been thinking about why I decided to come here, what attracted me to Japan. It's a question that I get asked often and I often ask myself. There are people on this program who probably have far clearer reasons for being here, whether they see a future here or becoming fluent in the language for a defined purpose. Some people got interested in Japanese anime or film in high school or have family or friends that are Japanese and were drawn here for those reasons. I came because I had studied the language at school for two years, but I'm pretty sure I didn't have a clear reason why I started it in the first place. Somehow I'm here in Japan, even though I'm not always sure for what purpose.
I guess what I saw in Japan was a challenge, something new that I've always wanted to do. I've never been out of the country before, so coming here was a big step for me. I sometimes think how it would have been easier to have stayed back home with my friends at school or at least chosen to study abroad in a place where I can actually communicate with everyone. But now I realize that wasn't what I wanted. Language certainly isn't my strength; if I'd followed those I'd have been a math major. But I've always been attracted to starting fresh, putting myself in a new or difficult situation or location and seeing how I react.
I have no idea what these remaining five months will bring. It may get easier and feel more comfortable; it may not. I might actually become pretty good at speaking the language, but I hope the knowledge I acquire here goes deeper than just kanji and chopstick skills. It's the challenge of everyday life that excites me and what I look forward to the most. Here's hoping the rest of the journey is as intriguing as the start.
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