My first semester at Kansai Gaidai is almost in the books. I'll admit that I came here with hardly any knowledge or intense interest of Japan. I just applied to the program, was accepted and came. I knew that it would be starkly different from the place that I call my home. However, the past few months have really opened my eyes to the traditions, culture, music and art of this fascinating country. I was able to travel many places this semester and meet very interesting people.
It is up to the viewer to decide how he or she will see the world and I try to look at everything in the most positive light. Although there are things about Japan that are shocking to my American mentality, I still love this country. I have had a wonderful semester and look forward to all that I will discover during the next term.