"Remember, these are entries from my journal from a year ago including my thoughts and feelings I want to add now."
10/20/2009
I went to Himeji castle with my friends. My friend's homestay family went with us and I'm pretty sure we were all glad about that. It was a good experience but it was really far away. We had to switch many trains and make quite a few stops. It's safe to say that I would have gotten lost because I am somewhat directionally challenged.
The castle was not rebuilt so it felt great to step into more "old" Japan. When I saw Arashiyama, Himeji Castle, and old parts of Kyoto, I felt as if I was born in the wrong time period. But then when I think back of what I've learned about those eras, there is no way I'd switch back if I could. It would be neat to visit though..
So Japanese is becoming very difficult for me. I know it takes time to learn but deciding on which particles to use can be so confusing. Just when I think I understand the reason of why I use に、で、or が, I learn a usage that seems to go against what I've learned. I need to keep in mind that I've only been studying for 2 months. I should look at the progress I've made from knowing absolutely nothing. Like I said before, I need to keep in mind that learning a language takes time, make small steps each day.
Since I've been at Kansai Gaidai, I've been thinking of my major and what I want to do with my life. I know I want to continue studying, learning, and practicing Japanese. Since UCM doesn't have Japanese, I've considered moving to another state once I complete my CIS degree so I can get another degree. I also want to go to Fall, River MA to visit the Portuguese community. My great grandma is from that town and I'd like to learn more about my Portuguese heritage. Someday I will. I have the family history that Uncle Dale has researched to start from.
These are ideas floating around in my mind, but I am not sure if I will do anything with them yet. I'm not sure what the next year holds. I may get accepted for an internship and go that route, or maybe I'll get involved in a relationship. I don't have a fear of working after college, I just want it to be something that engages me, not just something I do each day. I look forward to possibly developing a career in IT or whatever engages me. I put my trust in God to help me figure that out.
Will I study abroad again? I'm not sure but I know I want to. I hope to come back to Japan again before I graduate.
Comments (1)
I dont think you are directionally challenged.