Once in a Lifetime Chance

Once in a Lifetime Chance

On Nov. 18, I left from MFWI for Portland. During this trip, I visited many places and met various people in colleges, downtown Portland, stadium, museum, and Mclaughlin House. Everyone was very kind and some of them were interested in Japan. I shared their stories and my story. It was enjoyable, meaningful and fulfilling. I was really glad to see them and have such a good opportunity.

First, I met several college students. For example, in Columbia College I talked with 4 people such as Alex, Betsy, Chris and Ashley. The picture is Betsy and Alex. Surprisingly, they are 17 and 18 years old, but nevertheless they are both high school students and also college students. It means they go to high school and college. When I heard that, I thought I misunderstood, however, actually I was correct and then I wondered how it works. According to them, until afternoon they go to high school and after that go to college. Although it's very hard, they seem to be fine. It's amazing! In Japan it's impossible because we should concentrate on one thing and also it's not allowed by the government so I can't imitate them. After that I talked about my presentation topic Kabuki but I supposed they are not interested in Kabuki so I began asking about them. Little by little, I know about them and eventually I found a common point that was about our favorite singers and we really enjoyed talking. When I said good-bye to them, they seemed sad so I promised to keep in touch.

Second when I went to the Saturday Market, there was a man who can draw well and I asked him to draw Kaori and me. At first, he didn't talk so I thought he was a quiet person. After drawing he asked us several things. For example, how old are you, where are you from, how long will you stay here or what are you doing in America. Therefore, I introduced myself roughly and answered those question. Then he said, " You have beautiful eyes and Japanese are beautiful." Recently, girls look older than their age but you look younger. In addition, he said my English is very good! The words made me happy. I thought talking with him was meaningful because if I didn't talk with him, my impression of him will be different.

Third when I went to watch Ice Hockey, I met a cheerleader. In my Opinion, cheerleaders are mean and cruel because of their looks and mainly TV programs or movies gave me that. In fact, it is wrong but it's hard to understand. When I went to the football game with Christopher and Jill, I saw cheerleaders. At that time, I asked Christopher whether cheerleaders were mean or not and he said, "You watched too many movies, actually cheerleaders are good girls and smart." The words is remaining in my brain. Anyway, when I was watching the game, Babara said we can see players so later we will go to see them. Therefore, before seeing players I went to a restroom, however, when I came back to my seat, everyone had disappeared! I was really surprised and in a panic. Desperately I ran and looked for everyone but I couldn't find them so I asked a cheerleader about them. Although she didn't know where they were, she eagerly helped me look for them. Finally, we found them thanks to her and at that time, my impression of cheerleaders was overturned and I appreciated her.

Finally, I learned from those experience that I should not judge people by their appearance. In addition, I will not be able to see them again so each encounter is very precious and important.
Those special encounters make me grow up and I'm sure those will remain in my mind as good memories. It is a once in a lifetime chance!