The beginning

This is the start of a new adventure. A big step in my life. I've never been away from my home for longer than a week or two. So 6 months... I'd say that's a pretty big change. Not to mention i'm living in a completely different country, half way around the world!

At first talking about living in Japan was just a joke. Both of my sisters had gone in college, but for me it was never taken as a serious idea. Then half way through my sophomore year we actually started talking about me going. After many complicated plans, we finally figured out how i could fit this into my high school life. Even though i would have to take lots of online classes to make up for the credits i would miss, i thought that this would be worth it.

I've always wanted to be able to speak to my grandparents and the rest of my mom's side of the family, but there was always that language barrier. That is a big part of the reason i decided to come live in Japan. I figured living in Japan and hearing the language 1st hand would help me improve much faster.

I'm big on adventure. I enjoy finding out things for myself and trying out new and mysterious things. Also ever since i was really little i've never hated being alone. I do like the company of other people, but by myself i never get bored. There was always a kind of freedom with nobody watching or judging what i was doing. Both of these qualities made my decision to come to Japan easier. I knew that i would love exploring the new country, and even if i was alone, i would be fine.

Leaving home was extremely difficult! Thinking about all the fun things i would miss. Going to football games with my friends, having big family parties, going to dances....etc. I'm really sad that i'll be missing out on these things, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and i'm so lucky to have it. So i'll go at it with a positive attitude, and hopefully all will turn out alright!