all good things...

The last week…

Well, I just got home yesterday, but the last week in Tokyo was a fun-packed and non-stop action. And by that I mean I studied and bought souvenirs. But seriously, I had a final on Friday, Friday was also my birthday, a presentation on Saturday, and I had to buy gifts. Plus I had homework all week. So it was tough.
My health tends to decrease about 80% when I have a final. Sleep becomes unimportant. That being said, I think the final went well. I was able to celebrate my birthday with about 25 of my friends/acquaintances. On Saturday, I did my presentation on the history of Nintendo.I was a little sad on Saturday. It was our last days with our teachers. Our host-families also came. We had a farewell dinner at an Indian restaurant (my favorite). After that we said our final goodbyes. That night I went out with a few of my friends near Tokyo Bay. I stayed up most of the night talking. I slept an hour and a half. Then I packed and headed for the airport.

It is hard to summarize the amazing experience that I had in Japan for the last two months. I was able to see a different way of life. The Japanese culture is truly special. It seems like a society built on the greater good. It is like there are unperceivable strings that connect people together. These bonds bring the family together and the society as a whole.
Personally, I feel as if I have grown. I did not always make the best decisions during my time in Tokyo. For example, I joined a very expensive gym for a month with my own money. It probably was not worth the amount I paid. Tokyo is a big city. Unfortunately, I was not able to see all the major spots. However, I did make friends with some Japanese people. They definitely made my experience in Japan better. It is definitely worth it to reach out to the community if possible. You can’t learn everything in class.

I would not say that I have 100% integrated with Japanese culture, but my way of thinking has definitely changed. I process my thoughts in Japanese. My English skills have decreased. Though it was only two months, it was the best experience of my life. Thanks to this experience, the way I live has definitely changed. I would like to think for the better. I have become more patience and less self-oriented. This transition does not take place overnight. You can’t just sit back and observe things. You have to be willing to part take in the culture. It is a fact of life that you won’t always be right, but that is how we learn to become better. It isn’t easy, but in the end it will pay off.

Farewell dinner

I would like to thank the Light Fellowship for giving me this wonderful opportunity. These opportunities don’t come too often in life. I truly appreciate all their help. Tokyo was an unforgettable experience. I glad I was able to see it with my own eyes, and I hope one day you will too.

- Zya mata