GRAPEVINEMay 2023

Compromise – Michael Henderson
Compromise.

妥 協 .

WhenIssue No. 14

Field Day – Katelyn Sondereker
peoplehear

A question that students and teachers often ask me“compromise”, they often imagine (想像する) the act

is, “Do you have a Sports Festival ( 運 動 会 ) inof reaching an agreement (合意に達する) at work orAmerica?” The answer to this question is a little bitwith your partner. In my opinion, I think the feelingcomplicated, so let me explain!

of the word “compromise” can be described as giving

In high school, American students do not have ansomething up ( 何 か を 捨 て る ) for something or

event like the Sports Festival. For us, May is the end

someone else (何かや誰かなどのために). So, why amof the school year, so many students are studying for

I talking about “compromise”?

the final exams. But around this time, seniors (三年Lately, I have been thinking about the decisions I生 ) in high school can “catch” something called

have had to make in life (人生での決定したこと), and“senioritis”. This means that they don’t care about

the biggest one is probably moving to Japan. When Ischool anymore, so sometimes they stop coming toleft America to come here, I gave up many things. Ischool or studying because it is almost time tocan’t see my family every day, or grow up as adults

graduate!

with my friends (友達と社会人として成長できない),

However, in elementary school, American students

or eat some of my favorite foods. And in Japan, I have

have something called, “Field Day”. This is an eventto learn about a new culture, society, and language inthat is similar to the Sports Festival, but it is veryorder to survive (生きていくために), which is veryrelaxed compared to the one in Japan. The events aretiring. Maybe you’re thinking now, “why did you

often simple games like sack races, three-legged races,

come to Japan then?”water balloon toss, and tug of war.

I came here because while I gave up many

But my favorite game is called, “Popcorn”. In thisopportunities and chances in America, I gained many

game, students hold the edge of a rainbow-coloredthings here (いろいろなものを得た) in Japan. I haveparachute (パラシュート). Usually, there are two

met many amazing teachers, students, and people. Iteams, like red and blue. To play, small red and blue

have learned so many new things about Japan andballs are placed on top of the parachute.

myself. I improved my Japanese. I feel more confident

Then, students start to shake (振る) the parachute.

in my abilities. In conclusion, I achieved many of myThe red team wants to stop the red balls from going

personal goals (個人目標を達成した).

outside of the parachute, and wants to make the blue

The message of this essay is not to talk about me,balls fall on the ground. If there are no blue balls left

but to say that in life, we have to make many decisions

on the parachute, the red team wins. This game is(人生には決定する事が多い). Sometimes it is hard tocalled “Popcorn” because the balls bouncing in the air

know which decision is the best one, and sometimes

look like popping popcorn (ポップコーンを作っていcompromise is inevitable (妥協してしかたがないこる)!とがある). And while compromise can be hard, if
your decision is something important to you, in theend, things will be okay (結局うまくいくだろう).
Don’t live a life of regrets, but instead, a life ofmeaningful compromises!

What do you think about Field Day? Come talk tous about it!
Elementarystudents playing“Popcorn”, a
popular Field Day
game in America.

Ashikita!
Have you been to Ashikita before? This weekend I went
for the first time with my friends. I swam in the ocean
several times including at night. The best part was being

Michael inable to see the bioluminescence! (生物発光). I had seen it

Ashikita looking

once before in America, but I didn’t know you could also

at the jellyfish insee it in Japan. So it was a pleasant surprise.

the water“pleasant surprise”: to be happy about something
unexpected.

Superstitions in America
Recently in class, we talked about popular superstitions (迷信) in both Japan and America. So, I thought it would
be interesting to make a short list of some popular and unique (独特な) superstitions from America!
⚫

“Knock on Wood” (木を叩く)➢This is a phrase we say to stop bad luck. We usually say it when we are talking about some future situationthat we hope goes well. After saying it, you’re supposed to knock on any wood that is near you! (一番近い木を叩かないと！)➢⚫

For example: “I don’t think it will rain today, knock on wood!”

Spilling Salt (塩をこぼす)➢This superstition is a little old. When we accidentally spill salt, we have to grab some of it and throw it
over our shoulder (肩越しに塩を投げる). This is also supposed to stop bad luck!

⚫

Opening an Umbrella Inside (室内で傘を広げる)➢People believe that opening an umbrella inside is bad luck. When I (Michael) was a child, I was always
afraid to open umbrellas inside my house or school.
There are many more superstitions that we have in America. What are some that you have in Japan?

Peanuts Comic