How My Exchange To Japan Changed My Life
At 8:45 p.m., I took my first step into a foreign place I would call my home for the next 343 days. But I know the way I look at it all now, is not how I will see things from this point on. My heart was pounding, yet getting smaller with each thud. As I had just left behind all I had learned to love for the first 16 years of my life. My face was white with fear, as I walked to the sign saying, gWelcome Miss Caitlin English.h Welcome to your new life.
As I picked up the two wooden poles resting in front of me, fiddled them with my fingers trying to get a comfortable fit. I was determined to conquer my first challenge. Chopsticks. I sort of fumbled as I attempted to pick up at least one noodle off my plate. But watching my elders slurp them up faster than the speed of light, was really dashing all my dreams of becoming the Ohashi Master. After endless counts of trial and error, and growing more frustrated, I have finally come to see the sense in these oversized toothpicks. This minor encounter with failure was when I first realized that just because things are different, doesnft make them wrong, weird, or pointless. I have now become more willing to try new things. Not only trying, new things, but doing it by myself has made me more responsible and independent. Whenever I get complimented on how well I use chopsticks, I am proud that I taught myself.
Getting around on the train system here in Japan, was at first, as scary and daunting as the first week of my freshman year! While making stupid mistakes can be scary at the moment, they have made me so much smarter. From learning how to buy tickets, to getting on the right train, and entering on the right platform, the Japan Railways (JR) can truly be a nightmare. Making those mistakes has increased my confidence in asking for help, and has made me more outgoing as a person. Being ridiculously late for important events a hundred times has actually paid off. My time management has improved...
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