Ever since I was young, it’s always been my dream to travel the world. How cliché, right? I know, but it’s true!
Growing up in La Grange, a small town of around 4,500 people, made me yearn for freedom. Freedom to see new places, experience new things, eat new cuisines and connect with other people.
The SJMC Japan program helped me taste some of that freedom. Japan felt like a whole new world for a small-town girl like me. It honestly feels like I experienced more in the 16 days I stayed in Japan than in my entire life leading up to the trip.
Aside from traveling the world, I’ve always wanted to study abroad as well! As a first-generation college student, attending Texas State University is a blessing in itself, but having the chance to travel while studying felt like a whole different league.
During the months leading up to the program’s start in June, I was barely able to contain my excitement. Japan is a land full of possibilities, and I was determined to experience as much as I could. That being said, the shopping scene, creative growth and personal connections were the aspects I was most eager for during my time in Japan.
One of my favorite things I did while in Japan was shop! The main souvenir I wanted to bring home from the trip was plushies. I collect Monchhichis, Mofusand and Sanrio characters, all of which originated in Japan. At every place I visited, I kept an eye out for the perfect plushie, and Japan did not disappoint. My escapades led to a suitcase stuffed full of my favorite characters for myself and my friends back home.
My favorite outings were the welcome and farewell dinners. It was so lovely just being in each other’s company and establishing newfound friendships. I adore my fellow SJMC Japan students with whom I experienced Japan; they made the trip even more memorable for me.
I also extended my stay for four days after the program ended. I daringly decided to travel solo to Osaka, as no Japan trip is complete without experiencing the city. Unfortunately, anxiety is a cruel thing! I started having second thoughts as my days alone in Osaka were approaching. I became very nervous about exploring Japan by myself, as my time with the SJMC Japan team had become a sort of safety net for me. Nevertheless, I put on a brave face and told myself it was now or never. Thankfully, my pep talk helped, and I ended up having a wonderful time in Osaka!
During my time in Japan with the SJMC Japan team, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me, both personally and academically.
Starting off, I learned that I’m a more “present” type of traveler, meaning that I often didn’t have my phone out taking pictures or recording because I was too immersed in what was happening. Therefore, I found it difficult to complete some social media assignments because I had the images etched into my memory but not my camera roll.
I found a newfound appreciation for walking. One aspect I absolutely loathe about living in Texas and the United States as a whole is that the cities aren’t walkable! I loved being able to walk almost anywhere my heart desired in Japan. It was so freeing not having to depend on a car.
I also became more comfortable with being uncomfortable as well. Everything was so new to me, from navigating the subway stations to communicating with locals in Japanese to enduring a 13-hour transpacific flight. Nevertheless, I survived it all, which made me appreciate every moment, no matter how awkward or tiring it may have been.
This journey helped me overcome many of my anxieties, allowing me to become more confident in myself, my interactions and my surroundings.
On a different note, as this was a study abroad trip, I made significant academic growth as well. Time management became a close friend of mine during my time in Japan. Completing homework is already a tedious task in regular college, but combining that with being in a different country for a limited time, with endless things to do and sights to see? I could practically envision my GPA dwindling. Therefore, I learned how to expertly juggle nightly outings in the city with time hunched over my computer in bright hotel lobbies.
Furthermore, I learned to become comfortable with not getting perfect grades. I often pull my hair out, trying to achieve perfect scores on everything. Thanks to the classes I took with the SJMC Japan program, I’ve been able to change my mindset regarding grades. I learned that my grades do not define me, and as long as I learned something new while trying my best, I did well!
The program also reignited my passion for learning. Academic burnout is a feeling I’ve become familiar with, especially as I approach my senior year. However, studying abroad has made me take a step back and remember what the whole point of college is: learning and experiencing new things, connecting with others and growing as both a student and a person.
The SJMC Japan program is something I will never forget. I laughed, I cried, I explored, I learned and I grew during this journey. Traveling to Japan with the program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will forever be grateful for.
I was able to become a version of myself that wouldn’t have existed if I hadn’t had the opportunity to travel and study with such phenomenal professors and fellow students in such an exceptional program.
My time in the SJMC Japan program will follow me throughout the rest of my collegiate career as well as my future professional career. The program significantly enhanced my creativity and overall skills in the fields of social media and journalism.
I plan to use all that I learned and experienced during my time in Japan to strengthen my future work both academically and professionally.
That said, I am so glad that I went out of my comfort zone and applied for the SJMC Japan program. The time I spent with everyone before and during our trip to Japan was some of the best times I’ve ever had. Japan is no longer just a country to me; it’s a memory that I will carry with me forever.
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