It has passed half of semester since I came here. I have had a large number of impressive experiences such as classes, events, tours. These were more marvelous than last semester. The most helpful experience which made me mature as a person is Southwest trip. Then, I saw tons of people, cultures, traditions, arts, landscape, and nature. Through this trip, I learned prominent thing and got superb ability.
First of all, I learned the importance of understanding another culture. The most surprising and memorable thing is culture of Acoma Pueblo. Our Extension students visited Sky City. Then, I saw Native American. They sold pretty products which was handmade. They were products which they didn’t seem handmade. I knew their skill to produce was so high. Unbelievably, they have believed that camera take their soul away. This point is totally different from Japanese. At that time, I learned there are people with many kind of thoughts in the world. The thoughts attracted my interest. I want to know more about idea or opinion in the world. Next, I visited Acoma Pueblo high school. I saw traditional dance and listened to traditional song. Their dance and song was powerful. I was impressive. I admired their dancing and potent voice. To take over such a traditional dance is same as Japanese school. In Japan, we are taught traditional dance and teach it to younger students. It is called “Yosakoi”. I learned traditional dance is inherited in any country. Visiting Sky City and high school became a god opportunity to know another culture. It was my first time to feel different culture close. I want to treasure Japanese culture. I want to respect another culture and share culture around the world.
Second, I seemed to get self-sufficiency thanks to tour at the Grand Canyon. We were given free day in entire day. It implied we had to decide plan by ourselves. It was good experience for me because I’m bad at planning. I always just follow someone. I usually leave my work to other people. I had thought I have to change myself. First, my friends and I decided whole rough plan. We ate buffalo meat. I had decided to eat buffalo meat about one week ago to visit the Gland Canyon, so I was satisfied with achieving purpose. Next, I asked many people where good spot to see the sunset is. I usually don’t ask something because I feel troublesome. I had entrusted someone. However, there were no teachers. There were only my two friends and me. I could not but ask. I was afraid of whether my English got through to American or not. Unexpectedly, American could understand my English. I was blissful that I was able to convey what I want to say. It gave me confidence. Then I thought I shouldn’t be afraid of making a mistake. We decided which bus we would get on, what time we would get on and so on toward the sunset. The plan proceeded just as planned. Then I felt I have at it, and have it. Finally, I could return hotel on time! Through the day, my heart was fulfilled with sense of accomplishment. I realized only abiding by teachers is not good for me. I think I could do self-sufficiency during trip at the Grand Canyon.
In conclusion, I learned essence of respecting another culture. I want to make use of learning in my future. Also, I learned I can do it if I try. I got an ability of self-administration, so after going back to Japan, I will try to visit another country to test my skill.