An Amazing Experience - Daniel G. -
・An Amazing Experience
Wow... 2 months have come and gone. I remember earlier this year looking at a photo of my favorite musician in Japan and thinking, "That's so cool. Wish I could go there some day," then a few months later standing in the same spot from the photo still convincing myself it was real. Being a shy, quiet person by nature, this was quite the undertaking for me, but there isn't a moment I regret. Before this trip I had only been to America and the British Virgin Islands, both places being very North American. I have always had wanderlust and loved adventure, so I was sure to jump on this opportunity.
Now fast forward and I'm writing this on my last day and thinking back over all of my experiences. This was truly a life-changing thing for me. It gave me so much perspective and I learned so much. The strong friendships in Japan have inspired me to get closer with my friends in Canada. The amazing food has inspired me to learn how to cook for myself. In addition, being immersed in a completely new culture has really given me a new lens to view my home country. It has made me appreciate the nature and natural beauty in Canada as well as the slower pace of life in Canada and the extra free time we have.
The school was also very different from what I have previously experienced. There were six classes a day instead of four and the school was tall and thin, not low and long. All of the teachers were very nice and super helpful with anything I needed. The classes were fast-paced and fun, with lots of information and activity. The students were also very helpful and outgoing, I would often find myself greeting lots of students as I walked through the halls every day. The uniforms were a new concept for me. I had never had a mandatory uniform before. It was nice not to have to think of an outfit every day, but slacks in 35 degree weather was not so nice (Hooray for air conditioning!). I was impressed by the independence of the students who commute great distances every day just go to school.
In addition, there was so much to see and do outside school! Tokyo is a huge city full of attractions and entertainment. The train system can take you anywhere you want to go and amazingly is always on time! Looking back is a a blur of fun and excitement. This trip is the scariest, most exciting thing I have ever done and I regret nothing.
Daniel G.