Being part of this program meant more to me than simply going on a trip to Japan.
I joined this program to gain valuable interpersonal and life skills, as well as create bonds with my classmates while experiencing Japanese culture. I looked forward most to the culture shock, learning how to quickly adjust and fit into a new environment.
The tea ceremony was my favorite part of the trip. Gaining an understanding of the true meaning of tea ceremonies and why they are conducted shifted my perspective on the experience and allowed me to move through the ceremony with more peace and respect for what it represented.
Tokyo Disneyland was such a fun adventure. That day ended up being the day Heather and I figured out how to use the train system on our own, which we were very proud of. At the beginning of the trip, I didn’t want to go anywhere without a large group because I wasn’t confident in my ability to navigate the train system. However, I learned that the only way to figure it out is to simply go for it. You can only prepare and study Google Maps so much.
This trip taught me so much, not only about how to be a stronger writer and visual storyteller, but also about how to become a better version of myself. It taught me a great deal about discipline, balancing the enjoyment of travel while also producing quality work and turning assignments in on time.
As I reflect on this trip, I realized that good outcomes and opportunities in life require effort. When I show up each day and give my all to my goals, the result reflects the work I have put in. It is easy for me to wish for things and want something for myself without taking the necessary steps to achieve it.
Studying abroad, for example, would never have happened if I had not made it happen for myself. Being able to see what comes from taking that first step was very encouraging. We all have to start somewhere, and through traveling, I learned that the same is true for creating meaningful experiences. All of the memories come from taking one step after another.
Now that this program is complete, I can confidently say that I feel like a much more confident traveler and explorer. I also feel motivated to get out into the world and spend more time journaling, recording and observing. I realized that I can create content outside of the classroom and that it is something I truly love to do.
I hope to continue participating in more study abroad and Study in America programs. Traveling with a class taught me so much more than family trips have in the past, which is why I want to continue combining travel with learning experiences.
The SJMC Japan Education Abroad program was one of the most impactful experiences of my college career. The memories I made in Japan will stay with me long after this trip. Throughout the program, I was challenged in ways I had never experienced before. I learned how to adapt to unfamiliar environments and trust myself in situations that felt intimidating at first.
This journey showed me the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn something new about myself. As I move forward, I will carry the lessons and confidence I gained from this experience into future opportunities.
This program showed me what is possible when I take the first step and fully commit to an opportunity.
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