April 2023

GRAPEVINE

America – Michael Henderson

Issue No. 13

Blossoms and New Beginnings – Katelyn Sondereker

Often when I talk to non-Americans about America,

Cherry blossoms (桜) in Japan are so beautiful, butone of their reactions is that “America is dangerous”.

they do not last for very long. In fact, the cherry

Because of the news, especially about guns, I

blossoms have already left Kumamoto. It is always sadunderstand why they have these thoughts. However,when they start to fall, but I think this is also whyI don’t think America is as dangerous as people think.

people love them so much. If cherry blossoms wereIf you go to visit or even live, I’m sure you will be okay

always around, they wouldn’t be special. Because weas long as you’re a little careful. So, let me tell you thecan only enjoy them for a short time, they are precious

reasons why you SHOULD travel to America! The(大切な) to us.

reasons will center on “diversity”. (多様性)I think life is the same way. Earth has existed for aFirst, the diversity of people! In Japan, as along time, but our lives as humans are fleeting (儚い).

foreigner, people will always see and treat (取り扱う)

Our time with the people we love is so short. This canme as a foreigner. But in America, even if you are

be heartbreaking (切ない) and painful, but it is also

foreign, most people will automatically think you’re

what gives life meaning. If life went on forever, would

also American. Even when they realize you are foreign,

it still feel precious? In my opinion, endings teach us

they will (usually) not treat you differently.

to value (大切にする) the present (現在), to hold it

Americans have a very positive view of Japan, and aresoftly in both hands.

often very curious (気になる) about Japanese culture.

Another thing that cherry blossoms teach us is that

So, don’t be afraid to being different; there are many

when things end, there is always a new beginningtypes of people, and you will blend right in! (目立たwaiting for us. It might take a long time for the cherryない！)blossoms to bloom (咲く) again, but we can trust (信Second, the diversity of culture! I will give you an頼する) that they will always come. So even when

example. When I went home to America, my friends

something you love ends, remember that there are

and I wanted to eat at a Moroccan restaurant.

good things just around the corner waiting for you.

Unfortunately, it was closed, so we ate at a Thai

As you begin this school year, I hope you keep theserestaurant across the street. And along the way, welessons from cherry blossoms in mind. You will makepassed (通 り過ぎ た ) a fancy Japanese restaurant.

new friends, learn many difficult things, and build lots

Even though it was only a few streets downtown,of good memories. Enjoy these new beginnings,

there were many different cuisines to choose from.

because eventually they too will end. But isn’t thatIt’s very easy to eat, see, and experience different

what makes them beautiful?

cultures in America.
Third, diversity of each area. America is very big,so there are many different climates (気候), ways oflife, and local cultures. I’m from Washington, but I
used to live in Florida. The way people acted, theirbeliefs (価値観), and the environment were all sodifferent. It was so different that I wouldn’t want tolive in Florida again (though some people love it!).
I hope that one day, you’ll be able to experience
America’s greatest asset (強み); its diversity!

This year, Kate saw the cherry
blossoms with her sister in Tokyo.

Fun Facts about your ALTs!
How old are you?

Katelyn Sondereker

I am 29!

What is your favorite English word?

Cozy

What is your favorite Japanese food? Mochi!!
If you had to choose, would you choose
movies or books?
Definitely books! I love reading, especiallyon rainy days.
What places have you visited in Japan?
So far, I have been to Fukuoka, Miyazaki,
Kyoto, and Tokyo.
What is your favorite memory at Daini High School?
Cultural festival (文化祭), playing the koto with 箏楽部,
and talking with students 😊

What is your middle name? Stephen
What is your favorite English word?

Pensive

What is your favorite karaoke song?

旅路 by 藤井風Coffee or tea?
Even though I used to work at Starbucks, I actually
like tea more! Especially Houjicha flavored things.
What is something you like about Japan?
I love how so many areas of Japan have uniquedialects.
What is your favorite memory in college?
One time my friends and I made a Korean drama forour club in college, you can find it on Youtube!

Michael Henderson