The Discovery in Portland

The Discovery in Portland



There are many various things I learned in Portland. I had a lot of experiences on this trip, for example talking to American students about Japanese culture, touching history of Portland, considering the World War Ⅱ, and more. I had various feelings and a great time on this trip. These are some discoveries in Portland.



First, I was disappointed in my presentation, because I couldn't speak my topic clearly. When I visited Columbia Basin College and talked to students about my topic, I felt how difficult it is to tell it to Americans. My topic is Vertical Relationships. All the students didn't know about it, so at first I had to explain the definition of it and then, I talked about some examples. My partners were really interested in my topic and listened carefully. One of them gave me some of his opinions. I was convinced by them and could know American values about my topic. I thought I need more preparation for my presentation.



Second, Lewis and Clark were amazing people. They discovered more significant things than me. These were 29 new trees and over 120 plants and also, they made the map of a water route through America to the Pacific Ocean. It was amazing. I think they had a lot of wisdom and bravery. If I were Lewis or Clark, I would give up and could not find these things. Lewis and Clark are important people of Portland and America.



Finally, I was moved by the 13 stones at the Japanese-American Memorial. These stones show clearly the misery of Japanese-Americans during World War Ⅱ. I felt a lot of sadness and hope for peace when I visited there. One of stones said Japanese-American lived without their emotion. Their lives were really limited and they didn't have their rights at that time. I thought, how miserable. I hope we have no war in the future, but peace and have to remember the tragedy of war.



I found and learned a lot of new things on this trip. I discovered myself anew and my view became wider than before because of new things. I think discovering something is very fun and exciting. I am sure this trip will be a precious memory in my future.