Blog about my adventures in Japan. I was sent over to Sapporo, Hokkaido as a Ball State exchange student with Sapporo University from August to December 2012. I was able to do this largely because of the awesome Freeman-Asia grant I was lucky enough to receive.
(The views and opinions in this blog in no way reflect those of Freeman-Asia)
So yeah, I didn’t exactly blog while my stay, but reflective pieces will go up soon. For now, I have 8 days till I got back to my home country, the States, and it’s so weird. I’ve never felt like this before.
August 31st, 2011- I left my country for the first time and arrived in Japan confused, lost, but excited.
My first month was hard— everything was overwhelming. I did my best to get by on context and such. Once things like my foreign resident card, phone, and internet were set up, I secluded myself a little. Because school hadn’t started, I didn’t know where or how to make friends. I’ve never been much of a city/out on the town kind of girl. I usually make friends through class, clubs, and interests.
When class started, I was excited, and the classes were helpful—but because I didn’t really have them with other
Japanese students, I wasn’t making friends but with other exchange students. I was reluctant to spend too much time with exchange students because I thought I should be looking for more Japanese friends. I should have relied on their friendships more in the beginning and I should have reached out to the Chinese and Taiwanese students in my apartment building. I was afraid no one knew English and didn’t have enough confidence in speaking Japanese at the time.
I doubted myself when others in class did better than me and stressed myself out. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but even with all of them, I don’t regret coming to Japan. Experiencing this place means so much to me. My love of people, culture, and the language— for these things this trip was essential.
The people here have been nothing but kind to me and I want to thank them so much for their friendship even though I was poor at making plans with people. I wish we could have hung out more, but my time was so short, and school has been busy for everybody.
Even if we never meet again face to face, we will still be friends, I think, always. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.
I’m usually not the kind of person to cry or get sad over usual things like weddings and goodbyes, but I feel the melancholy settling in. I will feel tearful for the next 8 days, I know it. I wish there was so much more I could do, see, with all of you. I’m regretting missed opportunities here, even though I shouldn’t dwell on it.
Before I went to Japan, I was recommended to spend everyday out, find something to do. I wish I was more motivated to do so—I see why they said that now. I wasn’t brave enough, confident enough to do so. I didn’t know what there was to do or where— but I could have asked.
I don’t want to this to be the end. Somehow, I’ll come back. I’ll meet old friends, and make new ones too.
And Japan, I know you’re going through a hard time, recovering and dealing with the radiation. Ganbatte, Japan.
~Jessi
omfg press alt+the reblog button
praise god bless jesus hallelu
SWEET JESUS MY LIFE HAS CHANGED.
“Why did nobody tell us this?! This changes everything!”
(via madragingven)
Friday, April 20, 2012 -
I had 2nd-year first period today. Class 2-4 was not as bad as 2-2 and 2-3, so that was a relief. 1-4 3rd period, I helped out my JTE with books, and we reviewed with the class. I am impressed with how many English words they know! Then decided to help out in 1-3 4th period too, on my own will. They are by far my favorite class because how energetic they are. Plus, I confirmed with some students that they DO like English! The streak of half of the students thinking I’m Jamaican continues though.
I think I may have an admirer in my 1-3 class. The same boy that asked what type of men I liked made a comment in Japanese. The only English words I heard him say were “hips” and “bust”. I thought “ohhhh lordy…” and wanted to be like “NO!”, but just pretended to be ignorant of the comment. My JTE got him pretty good for that comment though. It’s funny…if a 1st-year student acts up, they end up being the butt of the joke in class while their classmates watch them get punished! Definitely feeling the love from my 1st year’s in general though. Everytime I walk through the halls, I get “MONICA SENSEI!!!!!!”. They make sure to say hi to me as well <3.
FINALLY Friday. I would say it ended on a good day. As a reward? My Kami buddy and I decided to finally try MOS BURGERS! It is as good as everybody says! I love that everything in Japan looks so perfect too, even food! So what you see advertised is actually how it is presented to you!! Amazing!
Sorry there isn’t a clearer pic of how perfect these hamburgers look!
I tried Mos Burger when I was in Japan, by recommendation of one of my online friends who were curious. It’s cute place, good, interesting burgers, but a little pricey, as fast food tends to be in Japan. (for better service and quality) When I asked 「写真を撮っていいですか？」 “Shashin o totte ii desu ka - Can I take a picture? ” The female workers smiled, while the male worker ducked into the back shyly. ^^ Definitely would go again.
