I wanted to be a part of SJMC Japan because both of my parents were stationed in Okinawa, Japan, while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and ever since I was little, my parents’ stories about mainland Japan made me want to experience it for myself.
What I looked forward to the most was trying all the amazing food, experiencing a completely different culture and communicating with people from a whole new perspective. I was especially excited to ride on a bullet train, attend a Japanese baseball game and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Each of these experiences exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression.
Some of the most interesting experiences I had with our required outings came from visiting Miyajima Island. For starters, not only because of how much of a spectacle the O-torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine was, but also how when low tide came, we were able to walk up to the torii gate that was seemingly floating before.
I also enjoyed the Daisho Temple as it was a very beautiful display of Japanese architecture. In addition, I was very pleased with riding the cable cars as it offered us a gorgeous view of the entire island from up above. As a whole I wasn’t expecting much from the island before but was excitedly proven wrong with how much it had to offer. Some of my favorite experiences that I gathered on my own came from the little moments in our downtime when my friends and I would simply just walk around and explore the city, find places to eat, run to 7-Eleven at night to grab ice cream and various other Japanese snacks and have meaningful conversations with one another that strengthened our bonds back at the hotel. Hands down, my favorite outing that was not required was visiting the Arashiyama Monkey Park in Kyoto with graduate assistant Angie Vasquez as we got to see and feed the beautiful and kind monkeys that are native to Japan.
I learned many new and exciting things while studying abroad in Japan. For instance, in an academic sense, I learned how to write better in AP style through the guidance and tips given to me by SJMC Japan Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez and now I feel more confident in my writing skills. I also learned how to capture better angles and shots and tell a story with my photography through the help provided to me by Professor of Instruction Jon Zmikly.
Personally, I learned how to properly adapt and adjust to an entirely new culture and environment, how to navigate a complex metro system, how to be more confident in pitching my ideas for stories that I would like to write and that despite my nerves and fears, I was capable of accomplishing big things that may have, at one point, seemed out of reach.
SJMC Japan was a fantastic experience and meant so much to me because it made me grow as a person and gain a lot of journalism experience while simultaneously allowing me to see a country, of which I have always dreamt of seeing. I am forever grateful that this journey allowed me to experience stories and perspectives that I had once fantasized about as a child after hearing my parents’ accounts and descriptions .
It also meant a lot to me that I was able to receive excellent work experience for the career that I want while still being able to have the time of my life. I believe this experience has helped me advanced my collegiate career by making me become more organized, more effective with deadlines, and better manage both stress and academic responsibilities. This experience will also prepare me for my professional career by providing hands-on experience in a different culture, an opportunity that many others may not have. I believe this trip will set me a part in the job pool, especially given the commitment and hard work I demonstrated in accomplishing so much within a short period of time.
I will always be so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the SJMC Japan study abroad program. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I will continue to reflect on for many years to come. This journey allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, and I genuinely loved every moment of it.
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