As I think back, it is not hard to find this defining moment. It was when I set foot in Japan and later that night uttered, "What did I just get myself into?" I was there for a year, and by the end I could see how much I had matured.
When I first arrived there I had a lot of trouble getting up in front of groups and speaking. This was evident the first day when I had to give a speech, and all I said was, "I speak sukoshi (little) Japanese." As the year went on, my speaking skills and Japanese improved as I matured. All of this climaxed on one day, a week before my return to the US.
It was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining, but it was a little to hot for a blazer, however, I had to wear one this day. It was the one thing I had to wear to all Rotary meetings, because it showed all the pins and key chains that I had received from other exchange students during my stay. We hopped in a car and drove downtown. It was only a 5-minute ride.
We parked in an underground parking garage before entering the Landmark Tower. The Landmark Tower is the tallest building in Japan at 290m (970ft). We were whisked to the top floor, the 70th, on the world's fastest elevator. It doesn't make very much noise. The only reason you know you are moving is because your ears are popping so much. Unfortunately this was the last time that I rode up in it.
When we emerged from the elevator my host dad and I were met by a whole group of Rotarians. We chatted and waited for about 10 minutes before everyone was led into the luncheon room. After everyone had sat down, the luncheon came to order. I was introduced as one of their many guests that day. After I was introduced, I looked around. I had been in this room before and had given a couple of speeches. However, it was still intimidating. There were crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the one wall had a number of windows. Out them you could see the whole city. You could sit there and just watch the entire city bustle around you.
They served lunch after introducing everyone, but I was a little nervous and I decided not to eat. After 15 minutes I was called upon to give my speech. I began by telling everyone that it was the last time that I was going to be there. I then proceeded to tell them about some of my experiences that included my first encounter with sushi (It's not very good - at least to me.), my climb of Mt. Fuji, and my stay at some hot springs. I also made them laugh with some of my comments, and told them a little about some of my future plans. I went on for about ten minutes and wasn't reading from a paper like I had with many of my earlier speeches. It was from my head and this really impressed them, later my dad was able to see it on video.
After I was down speaking I handed the Rotary president a bouquet of flowers. He really appreciated it. That moment and that day I think I will never forget. It highlighted where I really came of age. Some people talk about little things such as not being able to get to a party as a major crisis. Because of the language barrier at the beginning I had to learn how to find my way around and to somehow communicate the simplest things such as "I'm hungry" or "I would like this." It was really a challenge. When my parents came over for a visit they depended upon me. It was strange situation. When we got to Hiroshima we had to find our hotel at 10 at night. Then in Tokyo I had to take them all around. I was the guide. I planned the itinerary. I no longer worry so much about what I am going to wear or who's going to win the big game. My adventures and experiences in Japan have molded me into who I am today.
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A Walk to Tokyo
Climbing Mt. Fuji
Misconceptions