ただいま! After 7 weeks at Senshu University I’m finally coming back to Oregon, with three suitcases (one more than I left with) full of souvenirs, and enough memories to last me a lifetime. I still can’t believe it’s already over, even as I land at SFO on the way back to Portland. Coming home is bittersweet; of course, I’m excited to see all my friends and family back in Oregon, but I also dread being apart from the people I’ve spent so much time with over the last two months.
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I was crying like a baby on move-out day, watching as everyone set out with their bags to return to their cities, and crying even harder when it was my turn to wave all of the Japanese students goodbye– When we did tea ceremonies, the tea master mentioned the importance of time, of how ephemeral every moment is; You never know when you’ll be experience something with the same people, in the same time or place ever again, so cherish it in the moment. At Senshu, I didn’t just get to make Japanese friends, but I met and got close to people from all over the world. It’s one of the beautiful things about studying abroad, and this program. But it’s also hard, having to leave it behind and not knowing when you’ll see them again. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.
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When I first started my study abroad program, I was mostly just excited to be in Japan and learn more Japanese, but as it ended, I realized that the most enriching thing about the program was the people I met along the way. Despite all the things that made us different- race, culture, language, interests- everyone was able to connect.
To anybody interested in studying in Japan, I can’t recommend the Senshu JLC Program enough, if not just for the many fun activities and getting to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, for the way it encourages friendship across borders.
Thanks for following me this summer! さよなら！