| Samantha Brown My time in Japan the summer of 2009 with Mariko and the Kanaji family was honestly the most important experience of my life to date. I got to try so many things, from tea ceremonies to a school cultural festival to moving sushi restaurants, and I was able to visit so many places, but the best part was truly getting to know my host family and experience everyday Japanese life. I feel like my participation in the exchange program is all I talk about anymore, but it’s because it shaped my life and the person I am in so many ways. I’m now determined to major in Japanese and get a job for either a U.S. consulate in Japan or a Japanese consulate here in America, and I know that Mariko and her family will be part of my life forever. She is my sister, her parents are my parents, and I’m already making plans to visit them again as soon as possible! Below are some photos of my experience in Japan and with my host student here in America. |
