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2012 JET-MIP ESSAYJANUARY, 2013: BREEZE ISSUE #63
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESE

LENA MORROW
Sheridan Japanese School
Sheridan, ORThroughout my time spent learning Japanese, Japan seemed tobe an unreachable destination- something I heard about daily,
but would never get to see in person. Up until the moment I
stepped outside of the airport in Osaka, I did not accept the factthat I was actually in Japan. From that point on the trip was eyeopening, and I am very grateful for being one of the students
chosen to experience this perspective changing trip.
Perhaps the most eye-opening element of our travels was thetime spent in the Tohoku area. Seeing a disaster area, yetlistening to the incredibly positive outlook of the survivors
originally surprised me, but now provides inspiration. The
strength, dedication, and overall character of the people living in
the tsunami-affected areas truly amaze me. I was always
surprised by the welcoming and inviting nature of everyone I
met- I never felt as though I did not belong.
While in the Tohoku area we had the opportunity to participate in the High School Summit. We werechallenged to discuss what we, as students, could do to aid tsunami recovery. Not only was the subject
matter difficult, but we also spoken in Japanese, while the Japanese students spoke in English. Although it
was an extremely challenging experience, I was amazed to see and hear the results. Within my group’s
discussion we realized that the media coverage of the recovery process has become very limited inAmerica. It then became clear that person-to-person communication was an extremely effective way ofbuilding relationships, and at the same time, spreading the news of damage recovery. The High School
Summit showed me that I can influence tsunami recovery simply by sharing my experience with my friends
and family, and by maintaining the friendships and connections I made in Japan.
After completing study trip in Tohoku, we returned to the Institute. It felt as though I was returning to myhome in Japan. I loved my room and now I often find myself missing the view from my window. The classes
were both informative and engaging. Overall, I enjoyed the dorms, amazing cafeteria, and friendly staff. IPrivacy - Terms

believe that everyone in the Institute was genuinely interested in Japan- I enjoyed meeting so many
people who share my interests. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to stay at the Institute.
One of my favorite aspects of life at the Institute was the freedom to explore on my own. I found myself
looking forward to the afternoon so I could check out a bike and go exploring. From riding my bike down
small residential streets, to interacting with store-clerks, I felt like I was experiencing true Japan.
Challenging myself to engage in my surroundings gave me the opportunity to improve my language skills,
and build my courage. I truly believe that I will be a more outgoing person in the future because of myinteractions with the people in Japan.
Returning to Osaka also exposed me to other aspects of Japan; I received the opportunity of experiencing
Japanese culture first-hand through home-stays, discussions with students, and free time to explore.
Overall, the trip challenged me to speak Japanese, interact with my surroundings, and immerse myself inJapanese culture. The more I experienced Japan, the more I grew to love and appreciate what I wasseeing.
Throughout my time in Japan, I loved having the opportunity to speak Japanese. I was frequently
challenged to express myself, a fact which will definitely encourage me to continue in my Japanesestudies. Someday I hope to return to Japan, and I want to be able to further communicate and interact withpeople. Not only do I hope to continue learning, but I also hope to encourage others to study Japanese.
This trip helped me to engage in another culture- an experience which will influence me for the rest of mylife. I want to help others have the same opportunity. In the future I hope to keep sharing my experience inJapan in order to encourage others to think about global exchange.
The theme of bridge-building was continuously present in our travels. Throughout the trip we often
reflected on the legacy of Taylor Anderson and Montgomery Dickson. To me, the stories of these twoteachers seem to be the ultimate example of bridge building. Their devotion to their students, Japan, andforming connections encouraged me to think about what I can do to build a bridge between Japan andAmerica. After speaking with people who knew Ms. Anderson and Mr. Dickson, it is clear that theirconnection with Japan impacted many lives. I hope that their connections with Japan can be preserved in
the future through continued exchange between Japan and America.
I am very grateful to the Japan Foundation and everyone who sponsored my trip to Japan. I made many
wonderful memories, met new friends, and grew as an individual. I know this trip will create a long-lasting
impression on my life.

NIPPON THROUGH MY EYES PHOTO SUBMISSION"JAPAN THROUGH MY WINDOW"
Physically traveling through Japan seemed to make the theme ofbridge-building all the more literal.

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2012 JET-MIP Report 6/8

2012 J-LEAP Report: Nobuyuki Umeji

2012 J-LEAP Report: Yuka Nakanishi2012 JET-MIP Essay: Jessica Kawana

2012 JET-MIP Essay: Kathryn Lasseter2012 JET-MIP Essay: La'Tia Smith

2012 JET-MIP Essay: Lena Morrow
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