Going to Japan has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I used to talk about it with friends, imagining what it would be like to walk through the streets of Tokyo or see the temples in Kyoto. But it always felt far away, like something I’d maybe do “someday” when life finally lined up just right.
As I got older, I held onto that dream quietly. I started saving money, unsure when the opportunity would come, but knowing I wanted to be ready when the time came. It wasn’t until I heard about the SJMC Japan program at Texas State that my dreams actually started to align. It caught my attention immediately, not only because it was in Japan, but because it was led by a professor I’d had in media writing and media law classes. SJMC Japan Academic Program Director Gilbert D. Martinez was a great encouragement, both in and out of the classroom, and he gave me the confidence to apply and get excited for this great opportunity.
Even though I was excited, I was scared, too. I wasn’t sure if I was the right kind of person to go, but once I boarded that plane, even the long, cramped flight couldn’t take the smile off my face.
At first, I felt out of place in a country so unfamiliar. The food was different, the bathrooms were confusing, the language was difficult and everyone walked on the opposite side. Feeling a bit out of place, I quickly found a close-knit group of classmates who made it feel like home. With an unexpected friendship forming, I felt more equipped to be more myself and create memories along my journey. The fast-paced mix of work and exploration pulled me out of my shell and helped me discover more than just Japan. I began to see the world through a wider lens, and in doing so, it helped me discover new parts of myself.
While in Japan, I noticed real growth in my creative skills like videography, photography, editing and writing. With the support of my professors throughout this entire trip, I was able to take what I learned and apply it in a completely new setting. I got better at capturing moments on video, thinking more about framing and timing, and my editing became more thoughtful and intentional. My writing skills also gradually improved and one of my weaknesses started becoming a strength. I also learned how to take feedback and actually use it to improve, rather than second-guess myself. That hands-on practice, paired with guidance from my professors, helped me feel more confident in my creative work than ever before.
Through writing, content creating and connecting with the culture, I rediscovered my creativity. Japan showed me that I’m capable of more than I thought. It also made me more curious, more confident and more open to trying new things. I realized that dreams don’t have to stay dreams if you’re willing to work for them and if you have the right support along the way.
This trip was more than just travel. It changed how I see my future, led me to create a new group of friends, helped me grow in my field and gave me the kind of hands-on experience a classroom could never fully provide.
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