By Clayton Hibbard クレイトン ヒバート (みつひろ）

 

My own personal experiences in Japan are something that I will always remember, and although the trip has been over for several weeks, I still enjoy thinking of my trials and tribulations, as well as the excitement and fun that I had. I don't think that a recap is in order, because recapping would only do just what it says, recap.

 

I think that I should talk about how going to Japan, and getting an exercise in being a member of the world has made me a better and more well rounded person as a whole. As I sit here typing this out, my thoughts drift to how we were forced to adapt to a radical shift in culture, language, and philosophy. None of us cracked under a pressure that the average American has not, and never will feel throughout the course of their lives.

 

I thank the Showa International Friends Organization for giving us a chance to feel the rush, and live the excitement of being immersed in a culture all too foreign to America. After the initial trauma of being on our own, in a foreign country several thousand miles away from home wore thin, we were able to look past the veil of alien contrast, and see a place very similar to our homes. The people there were so very open, ready to allow us entry into their culture and philosophy, looking past our stupid foreigner visages we all wore, to see us as adults, and praising us for our attempts at primitive and sometimes just plain dumb conversations, questions, and statements.

 

The Showa International Friends Organization has done a great service to those of us who were able to make the trip across the big puddle called the pacific ocean, and I feel that it is these types of programs that are making the world, if not a better place to live, than at least a more understanding and empathetic place for all peoples.