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A Change of Mind!!

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Wonderful Volunteering!!!
I got a meaningful culture shock yesterday during Conversation class. We invited nine people who have participated in volunteer works and discussed with them their volunteer activities. I had great time with them, because I had never had an opportunity like this before. I don't talk to people who partake many kinds of volunteer works in Japan. I am also interested in volunteer works. However, I don't know what I should do at first? This opportunity that speaking to the people is connected to my change of thinking.

At first, leaning about the idea of volunteering from Stephen. Stephen is a leader of Spokane River Clean-up activity. He began to this activity by himself, because he likes taking a walk and running along Spokane river while he see a landscape. One day, he noticed that Spokane river is dirty, because a lot of garbage was thrown away around river. At that time, he decided to start to activity in order to clean the river. I was shocked by his idea. He changed his thinking of out this event. I think that if most people felt Spokane river is not clean, they would not act. Most people finish only with thinking about it, but he is different. After all, Spokane River clean-up has become a famous event in Spokane. His opinion was shaped by many volunteers who agree with him idea. Moreover, I talked to him " Most Japanese think volunteer works are very a. What do you think about it?". He answered " I think they should, but most Americans were told by their parents since childhood. That's why American think it is a normal parts in volunteer works.

Second, I learned a interesting thing. I talked to Bill who has participated in a lot of events as a volunteer. I learned that volunteer works are a part of life for Americans. Most Japanese think that volunteer works are special or particular things, these things are not our part of our life. It is different from American. I am really astonished their attitude. Americans and Japanese are very busy, so they are difficulty to spare enough time for volunteer works. Although, Americans try to make time for it. I asked him "Why did you decide to participate in volunteer works?". He only said "It gives me a good feeling." I would like to follow their deeds.

I enjoyed this time. I was able to find some differences between America and Japan. I want to keep respecting their spirits and imitate their superb skills.

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