 |
| The Southwest Trip |
There were many traditional American events during this extension program. For example, I could have had Halloween and Thanksgiving Day. I was very impressed with people’s positive and their smile made me very happy. Especially, what I moved was South West trip. To tell the truth, I had no idea about Native American and the history of what was America. I have learned about that in American West class and I was shocked about the history and even now, the history have remained and influenced people today. By feeling and seeing at the first hand, I could understand how important learning history is because it could expand my global view and build my new perspective about people who lived at the time. As leaning history more, I think I would understand their feeling, how hard the time was. That’s why one of my plans after leaving here is to learn the history of Japan and the world.
Through my presentation, I could realize how I can make it for non- Japanese people because our conversation styles are totally different. For example, when I talk with Japanese, I put the important things that I want to tell on the end of sentences, but English is opposite. At first, I had used the Japanese style naturally so American seems difficult to understand what I want to tell. These differences look easy to find, but this strategy has changed my way of speaking. My presentation topic was Shinto and actually I couldn’t answer what Shinto is before. During the last semester, I was very impressed American hospitality and then I asked about it to them, they told me that the mind is come from teaching from our religion. I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t answer even this question, “What is Japanese religion?” That’s why I decided to give presentation of Shintoism to show my gratitude to people who have taught me many precious things and to answer the question to tell my country. As I researched about Shintoism, I was getting into the very interesting world of Shintoism and I could learn many things about Japanese, or myself. Through this presentation, I could find new aspect of Japanese and Japan. In addition, I could realize what Japanese value is. This way of thinking about religion would help understand the history and people who worship their own religion.
Even though my daily life here was very busy, I felt a lot of great kindness of people who have supported me and my family. I have read many articles about today’s depression and job shortage. Many people have been losing their job and it could change their lives in a bad way. However, my parents have worked hard for me and always cheered me up from the distance. They haven’t complained the situation and always give me very positive words. I couldn’t realize their great kindness and love in Japan so I would like to show my great gratitude to them by realizing my dream and leaning very hard. I really love my fate and this extension program taught me many valuable things to build my personality.
It’s very difficult to describe what I have learned here, but I’m sure this experience will make my future valuable and change myself. I really appreciate teachers, friends, and Spokane community which have accepted me. I will definitely utilize experiences which I have obtained here and from you to make people happy. Thank you so much!