Procrastination is the life you could’ve lived. That is something that I heard before starting college that always stuck with me. It was also what pushed me to join SJMC Japan.
The thought of studying abroad always felt like a goal that was always a little too far out of reach. When I first heard about the SJMC Japan program, I struggled a lot with the decision I wanted to make in regards to joining or not. Despite my family telling me that I would regret not going, I was still very hesitant. That caused me to wait until a week before the deadline for applications, when I decided to bite the bullet and apply. Little did I know, this was gonna be an experience that will stick with me for a long time.
One of the main things that I wanted to get out of this experience was to learn how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. From awkward interaction with locals, to culture shock and getting lost with the public transportation, I wanted to grow more as an individual and gain a little bit more confidence to show myself that I can be reliable even if the odds aren’t in my favor.
Traveling to Japan through the SJMC Japan Education Abroad Program was more than an opportunity to visit another country; it became an experience that reshaped how I viewed my independence and curiosity. What I did not expect was that the most memorable part of the journey would not be the places themselves, but the person I became while moving through them and the wonderful people I met along the way. A long flight and hours of traveling somehow turned into little late night adventures, deep conversations and inside jokes. Those small moments made an unfamiliar place feel a little less intimidating.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program was the little moments outside of the structured itinerary. Walking through neighborhoods, finding small cafés, stopping in local shops and simply observing everyday life offer a greater insight that goes much deeper compared to what is seen on paper or a screen. It’s very different hearing about something and experiencing it for yourself.
Through the SJMC Japan program, there was also a unique perspective added to the experience. As students connected to media and communication, the trip encouraged observation beyond tourism. As SJMC Japan Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez had once mentioned “Japan is your classroom,” it became a place to study how people communicate visually, culturally and socially. Every advertisement, public space and interaction became something to analyze and appreciate. It created a different level of engagement that made the experience feel educational while remaining deeply personal.
Japan has always been a place I wanted to visit since I was in middle school. The culture, traditions, landmarks, music and fashion scenes had always caught my attention and were very different from where I’ve lived and visited. I was excited to see just how different life there would be compared to the United States, and maybe I could incorporate some of the routines into my daily life as well.
Aside from the hidden gems that were discovered in our free time, the itinerary was something that I enjoyed very much. One of my favorite parts had to be the matcha tea ceremony while wearing kimonos. It really makes you appreciate the beauty of the traditional clothes up close as well as the ceremony. Learning a bit more about the history of the ceremony as well as how it evolved through the different eras throughout Japan’s history.
Academically, I learned so much in such a short amount of time while we were there. I gained a greater understanding of Japanese culture and history by visiting beautiful temples, shrines and cities, along with my interactions with locals.With the travel writing class I learned more about developing my writing skills and the meticulous editing process necessary for writing a work to be published. These skills will be of great value to me and my future career.
With the mobile storytelling class I was able to use parts of Instagram I didn’t know I could and gained further confidence in my posting skills focusing on captions, setup and follower engagement. It also taught me how to be efficient and work on the go.
On a personal level, what I learned was much more of an internal education. Living my day-to-day life in Japan for over two weeks, interacting with the people and the customs that they have there, was honestly a dream come true. The cherry on top was rediscovering my love for creative media. Being surrounded by like-minded students who are talented writers, content creators and innovators inspired me to grow and refine my own skills. It has encouraged and inspired me to keep being creative. And how inspiration is literally everywhere, you just need to know where to look.
Compared to the cities in America or Mexico where my family is from, Japan isn’t as hectic. While it is lively and each city has a certain unique charm and energy, there is a certain structure and efficiency that I have never seen before in such large cities. It made me see myself live in such an urban environment with public transportation and walkable distances. I discovered that maybe a faster high energy environment is a nice change for me in the future.
The program not only improved me academically, but socially as well. Finding a sense of community from people who were once strangers was a very nice surprise and something that I will never regret. Overall, it was a nice change of pace from the slower routine that I had before. The world has so much to offer and instead of fearing it makes me excited to see what the future holds for me.
What’s next? What the program meant to me and how it will impact my collegiate career and future
Traveling to Japan has helped me discover new ways of learning and thinking. In today’s digital age, an internationalized outlook is important. The ability to adapt and see things with an open mind regarding culture and customs is incredibly useful. Learning how to navigate uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations helps you become more resourceful and quick on your feet. These skills were refined because of this trip and will help me become a more well-rounded individual in the long run.
This trip has helped me grow exponentially not just academically, but it helped shape me into a more reliable, resourceful person who can appreciate the more mundane things in life. It taught me how to slow down and actually appreciate things for what they are despite deadlines and working on the go. It has helped me be more confident in myself and my abilities. If another opportunity comes where I can travel and experience more of what the world has to offer, I won’t hesitate to take that chance.
About The Author
