From Hungary to Japan for a Year
Hungarian translation / MAGYAR nyelven: www.nandu.hu/csenge.htm
Csenge’s story:
"It's been my dream of four years to go to Japan for a high school year.
Like many others, I collected my first clues about the Japanese way of life when I watched animes on TV as a child. However, as my curiosity brought me to dive into long hours of daily research, I soon found myself mesmerized by the depth of Japan's real-life traditions, the language, the people, and the culture. First I started practicing aikido, and the next year, I joined a language course as well. I acquired pen pals and read every article, blog and guide I could lay my hands on.
But... I have a gut-level feeling that instead of wishful thinking from afar, I just want to live it, breathe it, do it. Japan is a second home of my heart. I want to study there, to continue learning Japanese the best possible way, at the authentic source, to experience Japan by myself, through the ups and downs of everyday life.
A student exchange seems like an exciting adventure in and of itself, and it certainly is, but what truly amazes me is how people from all over the world can come together to share their experiences, to bond, and to build friendships for a lifetime. My vision is to be experience this first-hand.
I have found several student exchange programs but none with fees that my family could possibly afford. My elder brother died recently in an accident, which was quite a blow to my family, not just emotionally, but also financially, and I also have two little sisters with many everyday needs. I have no other way to follow my dream but to ask for your help. I hope my words will reach lots of people, and I trust that many people can achieve what one alone cannot!
I'm only fifteen, and don't have much to offer in exchange, but as the tradition of travel blogging runs in my family, and as I've already tried my hand in student journalism occasionally, I promise to try my very best to write a fun-to-read blog about my travels.”
Campaign starter's note: "I’m Kathleen, and I’ve been friends with Csenge’s family for longer than she’s been alive. She was born just a few weeks after my own daughter. Please help her follow her dream, as I know she’s a bright young person with a big dream who will make the most of every opportunity you give her.”
Alexandra Magyar, Csenge’s aikido instructor:
"When Csenge first joined our group, she seemed to me a quiet, shy girl. However, as her enthusiasm gave her momentum, she opened up more and more in our circle. Her time spent in aikido has proven just how deeply interested she is in Japan’s language, culture, culinary arts, and of course, martial arts as well. She’s regularly participating in kyu exams, her conscientious preparation is always guaranteed, and it allows her to pass with excellence. Besides working hard in aikido training, she’s also a core participant in the group’s social life. At this year’s summer training camp, she was entrusted with the role of youth leader, and proved herself more than worthy. She’s great at coordinating with others, an excellent team player, and shows remarkable skills in creative problemsolving. She has strong social skills and the ability to get along with the younger and the older members of the group alike.
I believe that time spent in Japan could be an incredible opportunity of personal growth for Csenge. Real-life usage of the language, closer exploration of the culture, and being able to practice aikido in its original environment could all help her make several years’ worth of progress within just months. For a person devoted to the practice of martial arts this is a much desired opportunity, one that Csenge greatly deserves, the journey of a true warrior.”
Zita Palik, Csenge’s Japanese language teacher:
"I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Csenge. I have known her for the past two semesters, as she has taken the Japanese language classes I teach. As her teacher, I have had an opportunity to observe her outstanding participation and interaction in class and her passionate attitude towards the Japanese culture and language as well. She has proven that through hard work, she can learn two semesters’ curriculum in only two months and pass the exams successfully. She is also the rare student who is eager to study by herself, not afraid of any challenges, even if that means hardship. I consider this a very impressive and rare quality in a high school student. Her dedication and strong will to be better in this field makes Csenge a great candidate for an exchange student program in Japan. I highly recommend her.”
Nandu, Csenge’s mother:
"When Csenge was only two and a half years old, I took her and her brother all by myself to go spend a year in the United States, following my calling to study holistic midwifery. In 1926, my Grandma, whose family lived in deep poverty after World War I, signed up to go to Belgium into foster care, at the age of 10. She ended up spending 7 years there before returning (and almost immediately falling in love with Grandpa). My uncle left for the Netherlands on a bicycle when he was 16, fleeing the turmoils of the 1956 revolution. Looking at our family history, it seems like we are folks who dream big and go for it, too. My daughter is no different. She knows what she wants and she’s willing to work her hardest to achieve her goal. I’m not a mother who spoils her children: when Csenge wanted a chameleon for a pet, I made her wait a year and learn everything there is to know about raising chameleons before allowing her to get one. And research she did, for a whole year, never complaining, patiently waiting.
I can’t even begin to tell how I wish I could help her go for this, her one big dream. But sadly, I can’t, circumstances are changed now, with two toddlers and a funeral. Please help us help her. If anyone, she will prove worthy of your trust.”
