My College Personal Statement

In these past few months, I've applied to about 20 colleges and even more scholarships than that. When will the endless writing madness stop?!? Never, I'm starting to believe.

Below is one of the versions of my personal statement.

Making the World a Smaller Place
“To see the sakura in flower for the first time is to experience a new sensation,” goes an old haiku. It was late March in Tokyo when I arrived, and the delicate cherry blossoms were in full bloom, giving me a sense of awe that I had never felt before - I was seeing the ‘sakura in flower’. With the year abroad ahead of me, and the cherry blossoms framing my vision, I knew that my life was bound to change forever.

In my sophomore year I left for Japan to study abroad. The prospect of living with strangers halfway across the world was daunting, but in my impatience to live my life, I tackled this challenge head on. Unlike most of the other foreign exchange students, I had no previous knowledge of the language or culture, but this only made me more determined to learn and adjust. Moreover, being one of the youngest students at age 15, I was eager to prove myself to be more than just an ignorant American. Despite others’ doubts of my potential, I studied assiduously throughout the year and even managed to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. When out on my own, I often lost my way in the maze-like Japanese train stations, but instead of feeling hopeless, I put my language skills to use by asking for directions and help. Throughout the year I remained optimistic and open-minded, instead of becoming frustrated or intimidated, as when I lost a close friend in Japan and participated in the first funeral of my life—a hundred-day ceremony done in the Japanese tradition.

In Japan, one of my most significant memories was my visit to Hiroshima. I was invited to meet the mayor and president of the Mayors for Peace organization, Tadatoshi Akiba, at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn the history of the city firsthand. The determination and ambition in Mr. Akiba’s voice as he spoke of the elimination of nuclear weapons from the world stirred something within me. Before, I had only seen myself as a student; now, I was being regarded not as a child, but as part of the future generation, as an ambassador of my country—as someone who could help make the world a better place, just as this one man alone has.

When it came time to return to America, the thought of parting with Japan was unbearable. From the beginning I knew my time abroad could not last forever, yet I was still reluctant to part with the land, the culture, and most of all, the experience that had influenced me so much. I returned home with a new perspective and appreciation for every unique aspect of the American culture, no matter how minute. My world was no longer the same small dreary city I had left a year ago. Now, along with a deeper appreciation I have developed of every country and culture, I have learned to properly cherish my own.

Living as a study abroad student altered my formerly untouched prospective of international affairs. Just as the ephemeral cherry blossoms have become a cherished symbol of the delicate nature of life, they symbolize power of even the most fragile of nature’s beauty as well. It is my recent multicultural experiences that inspire my confidence in my ability to make a difference in the world.

Anime Expo 2010 and AKB48, RSP, SOPHIA...

やっぱり日本語でしゃべることがあんまりすきじゃない．．．

めちゃ恥ずかしかった(T^T)

BUT! I suppose these things take time..."まだまだだね"

One day, I'll be able to speak with more confidence!~

Even in English, I find myself stuttering often when I try to speak and struggling to find the words I need to say.

Perhaps now I'm not very fluent in any language. Or was I ever able to speak clearly? (笑)

However, as Mitsuru Matsuoka (松岡充) from SOPHIA confessed during his concert, even without speaking the same language, we can all still communicate and understand one another. If that's really so, then I hope that all the Guests of Honors I met could understand my feelings of happiness and excitement. We were all so starstruck that I can only guess we looked like a couple of idiots gaping at the Japanese celebrities.

Mitsuru Matsuoka and us

AKB48 Day 1: Red Carpet

The Guest of Honor I was most excited to see this year was by far AKB48

<3

I had bought a ticket to see their concert on the first day of AX and made sure I made it to their panel and autograph session on time. Ever since I had known AKB would be at Anime Expo, I've been so excited I haven't been thinking of anything else. Unfortunately, there were many other people like me there...but on the bright side, I had a chance to meet other AKB fans such as myself.

AKB48 seemed to be the most popular group at Anime Expo. It had been my first time watching one of their concerts, and of course, meeting a few of the members. The concert was such a great experience!, (even if only 16 of the 48 were there to perform). I had so much fun waving my glowsticks and trying to remember all the cheers! The encore was a nice addition to it all, as well.

Here is a list of the songs they performed, in order:

1 - River
2 - Aitakatta (会いたかった)
3 - Iiwake Maybe (言い訳Maybe)

Intro
4 - Kuroi Tenshi
5 - Seifuku Resistance
6 - Bird - Takamina, Rie (Mariko), Sasshi (Maimai)
7 - Heart Gata Virus - Haruna, Ami (Nozomi) , Mocchi (Maimai)
8 - Blue rose - Sayaka, Sae, Yuko, Miichan

MC
9 - Boku no Taiyo (僕の太陽)
10 - BINGO! (English version)
11 - Oogoe Diamond (大声ダイヤモンド)(English version)
MC
12 - Sakura no Shiori (桜の栞)

ENCORE
13 - Namida surprise! (涙サプイズ！)
14 - Ponytail to Shushu (ポニーテールとシュシュ)
15 - Hikouki Gumo

Here is a list of the 16 girls chosen to perform in L.A.:

Team A members Asuka Kuramochi, Haruna Kojima, Rino Sashihara, Aki Takajo, Minami Takahashi, Atsuko Maeda, Ami Maeda; Team K members Sayaka Akimoto, Tomomi Itano, Yuko Oshima, Erena Ono, Moeno Nito, Reina Fujie, Minami Minegishi, Sae Miyazawa; and Team B member Rie Kitahara.

(Should I type all this in Japanese as well?) Perhaps.

concert pics from msn jp

The next day after the concert, AKB48 were having their panel in the morning, where fans, such as us, were allowed to ask questions. Unfortunately, only 8 of the girls were there to attend since the other 8 had left America the night before. My sister, Sean, and I all went up and decided to ask a question. Right after the panel ended, everyone from the room sprinted all the way across the convention center to line up for the autograph session in exhibit hall. We were yelled out for running, and when we reached the booth, security was being extremely uptight about fans. We were finally allowed to line up, and then we stood there patiently, waiting for the girls from AKB to show up. The girls from AKB were only there to sign for an hour, so only a small fraction of the fans waiting in line were able to get their autographs. Luckily for us though, (and thanks to our sprinting efforts), we were part of that small percentage. It was certainly a happy day for us!

Over the next few days, we continued our mission of collecting autographs from some of the other Guests of Honors we were eager to meet, especially RSP. Before coming to AX, I was not aware of the fact they were attending, so I was surprised to see them there, but overjoyed when I realized they were staying for all the 4 days. I managed to get their autograph twice, and bid them farewell as they were leaving on the final day. As for SOPHIA, my sister and I were not very familiar with the band, but after seeing their concert, I can honestly say that they had completely won us over. What an entertaining group! Especially their vocalist...

meow

concert picture from anime expo forums

Overall, Anime Expo 2010 was the best year they've had in a few, in my opinion! Besides the wonderful GoHs present this year, (AKB!!! and etc), another plus was the usage of Nokia theater, Nokia Plaza, and best of all, Club Nokia, (which is 10x better than that ballroom at the JW Mariott), and the Japanese DJs, too! The cosplayers this year were on a completely different level, and the convention center was packed with people all weekend

long. I met a lot of people this year while meeting up

with older friends from previous years. Of course, there were also a few things going on this year that some people weren't happy about, but we won't get to that section...

However, I am pretty upset to know that this year was Raven's last year here. It feels as if he's been here and a part of AX forever. What will the dances be like without him?? Hopefully though, we'll still be able to see him somewhere in the future.

Did I also mention? I never cosplay, but this year I wore my Japanese school uniform when I could. Some people found it amusing, after all...

AX really is the best!! Even though I had to miss out on it last year, (being in Japan and all), I was satisfied with this year's and I can't wait to see the next!

P.S.

A couple of days ago, I happened to be reading something from the blog of Sashihara Rino (指原莉乃) that made me laugh:

"ロサンゼルスって、エスカレーターは左右どちらかに寄るルールが無いんですよ"

This is true!! I was pleased that someone other than myself had found this important enough to point out, ...even though I'm sure many other visitors in America from Asia have noticed this as well...

P.P.S.

In the future, I hope I'll be motivated to write and post more on my blog.

And originally, I intended to post this blog up over a week ago, but some last minute complications made that impossible.

Aftershock

Since I have left Japan, it has been a little more than a month. As a matter of fact, just a few days again was the date of our arrival in Japan last year, March 18. (Can you imagine all the new kids arriving in Japan for the first day, not knowing what to expect, who they will meet? I worry for their sanity in the future). It certainly is unbelievable how quickly time flies by. One year already, too soon, too fun, and all gone. All there is left now are the memories...and this lovely short essay I was made to write as part of the requirements of my scholarship I received.

This is how it goes:

AFS Post Program Essay

My one year AFS experience in Japan was the most memorable event in my life. I had the chance to learn so much in one year, about the culture, language, and people of a different country. It has certainly been an unbelievable once in a lifetime opportunity that I consider myself to be fortunate to have had. I have had the opportunity to meet many new people and make lifetime friends. This AFS experience has made an incredible impact on my life and left me with many unforgettable memories.

From the beginning, I had no idea what to expect of when I arrived in Japan, a country in which I had absolutely no knowledge of their language and culture. As the year went on, I gradually became use to the lifestyle and found that I was even beginning to understand the language. Throughout the year, I worked and studied hard by applying myself to my everyday life in Japan. Although there were many incidents in when I was placed in uncomfortable situations, I considered these times as opportunities to test my strength. Through all the discrimination and mistreatment I received, I was able to overcome the obstacles in my way. Day by day, I improved and understood the true importance of my position just a little bit more than I had before. Without giving up, I have found myself in a new place in the world. I persevered through the year and the satisfaction and happiness that I have come to possess is evidence enough for my efforts.

I have learned the importance of relationships. It is due to the help and encouragement of my friends that I was able to make the most of my year in Japan. Together with my friends, we have accomplished an uncountable number of goals and enjoyed our life in Japan to the fullest. I do not believe a single day went by empty or uninteresting. My friends have contributed to the majority of my memories in Japan, such as going to Hiroshima with my AFS chapter or to Hokkaido with my schoolmates. I consider myself fortunate to have met so many great people, Japanese or from any other country, and I am also thankful for being able to have met such caring and kind people along the way who have helped me out.

Having to leave Japan was the most difficult part of the year. As well as everyone else, my only wish was to stay longer. I believe that when I grow up, I will return to Japan and until then, I hope to be able to frequently go back to visit. I have come to realize the value of all of my relationships, and I hope that I will be able to keep my relationships from Japan intact. I hope to continue to study Japanese for this sake.

All the life-changing experiences that I have been through will definitely stay with me for the rest of my life, and I will use this to my advantage. With the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained this past year, I will be sure to apply this to my life, starting now. This has been a very rewarding experience, and I have been able to learn just a bit more about myself as well as the rest of the world. I am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity from AFS.

サヨナラspeech

The following is my farewell speech, which I recited to my school during one of my final days in Japan...

私が日本で過ごした時間は、

私にとってすばらしい経験でした。

新しい言葉や文化を学んだ、だけでなく、

新しい人々と出会いがありました。

日本語の勉強は難しかったです。

一生懸命がんばりました。

友達と話すことも勉強になりましたし

様々な場所に行ったりして日本の文化を学びました。

また、クラスの皆と一緒に日本語でおこなわれる

授業はわからないところもいっぱいありましたが、

みんなと一緒だったので、楽しく勉強できました。

親切なホストスクールのおだげで、

私は楽しい生活をおくることができました。

また樟蔭で楽しく過ごしました。

学校でテニスクラブに入り、一生懸命練習しました。

また伝統的な茶道も学びました。

生徒や先生たちはみんな親切でいつでもたすけてくれました。

日本の学校は、アメリカと違います。

アメリカの学校では制服はありません。

なのでとてもおどろきました。

夏の北海道への修学旅行では、アイスクリームやカニなど

おいしいものを食べて、美しい所をたくさん訪れました。

高原学者やスキー学者でもたのしい

思い出がたくさんできました。

体育祭では、一生懸命走り、その日はとても疲れました。

文化祭では演技や出し物を見たり、クラスでお店を出しました。

アメリカでは、このようなイベントをしないので、

私には新しい経験でした。

私は日本に来て本当によかったです。

日本でのこの一年は、本当に楽しくすばらしい経験でした。

皆さん、本当にありがとうございました。

My classmates 冬組み０９－１０

Here is what is vaguely means in English...

The time that I have spent in Japan has been a great experience for me. Not only have I learned a new language and culture, but i have also made new friends in Japan. I've had a wonderful life in Japan because of my kind host school. I've been given many opportunities for which I am grateful for, such as being at Shoin. At Shoin, I have joined the tennis club and am learning about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The students all have been kind and welcoming towards me. My teachers as well. I have befriended many at school, and in Japan, in general.

School is a lot different in Japan than in America, so it has been interesting to learn. It had been difficult at first, but I gradually became used to this lifestyle. With everyone so willing to help, I never felt lost or unwelcomed. I've had many opportunities at Shoin, like the trip to Hokkaido, the sports festival, and the culture festival. This past year has been full of excitement and wonderful memories. At Hokkaido, I had the chance to try many delicious kinds of food and to visit many new places. During the sports festival, I had tried very hard in the races; I was exhausted by the end of the day. As for the culture festival, I enjoyed seeing the performances and events throughout the day and eating the food. These were all certainly unforgettable events during my stay in Japan, and they were all new experiences for me, since in America, those kinds of events do not exist. It was nice to be able to experiment so many new things in Japan. It has helped me come to understand Japanese culture in a better sense. Being in Japan is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. This past year has been full of wonderful experiences that have helped me learn and understand a new culture and language.

My last bento box on my last day of school

My Experience with Swine Flu

Swine Flu~
On the 17th of September, Thursday, I was confirmed with Swine Flu, or H1N1 flu. Back in May, I would have believed it to be improbable feat, to be able to ever catch this virus, but thinking back on it now, to the week just before I caught swine flu, it seemed to be almost unavoidable to NOT have caught it. The swine flu had already reached my school by the time summer break was over, we all knew. One of my classmates had the flu, and had been out for almost 2 weeks recovering. That was just one student, but, on that week, when we went to school on Monday, 6 students were absent. Our teachers were starting to take extra precautions to ensure that it didn’t spread, and keeping track of the absent students who had the flu. With all the worry going on, class didn’t turn out as effective… By Tuesday, 10 students in my class alone were gone; the highest number in the school. So during our first class, our teacher, seeing as so many students were missing, decided it would be pointless to try to teach the lesson. By the end of 1st period, the school had decided to cancel school for our class for the rest of the week, until Saturday. Everyone left in the class celebrated, of course. The next day, though, I was already feeling not so well. By night time, I had a slight fever. On Thursday, my mother was left with no choice but to take me to the hospital, where after a series of tests (including having to stick a q-tip up my nose, which was quite painful, and impossible…), the doctor confirmed the swine flu, as we expected. From then on, I was confined to my room for the rest of the week, away from the rest of the society while I recovered from my symptoms. And that’s how I spent my Silver Week [holidays] in Japan.

Summer Vacation: HOKKAIDO

My summer vacation in Japan lasted from July to September. Two months may seem like a while, but in reality, (in Japan, to say), time goes by quickly. During those two months, I had been even busier than I was, living my everyday school life. Along with my school club practice every day, (hard tennis), there were many AFS events and camps to attend. Starting from July, there was first the AFS study day, AFS trip to Hiroshima, and then the AFS related International Senior High School Student Forum camp located at Kwansei University. During August, some of my activities included: my school camp to Hakuba, an AFS summer camp, my [host] grandmother’s funeral, my school trip to Hokkaido, and of course, tennis. Not to mention, during this time, ‘summer festivals’ are a tradition commonly found in Japan and take place in most cities. Yukatas, summer Kimonos, are traditionally worn to these festivals.

The picture above is a picture of me in Miyajima park.
The picture directly below is from a popular summer festival in Osaka.

The following is a report regarding Hokkaido I had written for my school.
Originally, I had a report of my trip to Hiroshima also; unfortunately, it is not with my belongings at this moment.

Over summer vacation, I had the chance to go to Hokkaido for the first time. The school trip was wonderful, and Hokkaido was very beautiful. Going to Hokkaido was a great experience; there is much more to learn about Japan and the Japanese culture. Everyday there were new places to travel to and visit. However, only a limited amount of time was available to be spent at each significant place; therefore, being able to make the most of our time given was something we all quickly adapted to. Of course, the majority of our time was spent on the bus while on the move. Even then, there were ways to keep ourselves busy, so time was well spent throughout the entire week, I believe. Furthermore, the weather in Hokkaido was comfortable and cool, much different than in Osaka or California during the summer. The atmosphere in Hokkaido was very enjoyable and light, and the cool weather was a nice addition to everything along the way. Being in Hokkaido almost gave a feeling as if being in an entirely different country. There were so many various memories and new experiences to be made and had. With so many new things to try, especially the food, the days were filled with exciting opportunities and unexpected events here and there. For example, in Hokkaido there were many animals to see, such as the cows, horses, fish, and many animals from the zoo. However, the best part was being able to enjoy this trip with my classmates and friends. There is no doubt that without them, this trip would not have been as great as it was. It was certainly an once-in-a-lifetime experience which I am thankful to have had. I am grateful to my school for this opportunity of a school trip to Hokkaido.

This is a view of the night in Osaka.

じゃんけん! Rock, Paper, Scissors

Just one of the many various (and entertaining) ways to play the common game, "Rock, Paper, Scissors."