Rianah's Journey to Japan

Going to Japan in 2015 was easily the most life-changing experience I've had to date. It gave me a new vision for what I could do with my life; it helped me improve my understanding of the language, culture, and communication skills beyond belief.

In the time since, I've made the study of Japanese language a bigger and bigger part of my life. At this time, I usually spend 2-3 hours of my day in the classroom, helping my teacher, and practicing the language and culture. I've risen to heights I used to think were only possible in my dreams, and I'm convinced that a large part of this is due to my trip three years ago.

Last year, I watched two peers that have been studying Japanese with me for several years go on an exchange in Japan for three months. When they returned home, their Japanese had grown incredibly strong. My teacher has told me for years that years of classroom learning still can't replace  a full immersion into the language and culture.

Which is why, when hearing about a planned senior excursion last spring for this April, I was immediately disappointed. I knew right away that it just wouldn't be possible for me to go. I knew it wasn't the end of the world, having already gone, but it was still quite saddening to know I wouldn't be able to have another opportunity after intensive studying for four years. I decided to tune it out, so I wouldn't have to dwell on it.

Fast forward a few months. My Japanese teacher sits with me privately and maps out how I could have a chance to pay for it-- fundraising.

If you know me personally, I'm sure you also know that asking people for money is about my least favorite thing on the planet. But if you know me personally, you also know I've wanted to return to Japan since the moment my flight home took off three years ago. Going on this trip would mean everything to me. It feels like the next logical step forward in my language learning endeavor, for one. But it also represents how far I've come since the last time I went. Going would also mean I celebrate my 18th birthday abroad, an added bonus that makes this an extra-exciting opportunity!

So please, if you have money to spare to help me on this journey, anything you can give would mean the world to me. $2,450 is for the ten days of sightseeing, with an additional $1,000 for a two week school exchange. An additional $1,000 covers airfare, with the rest going to gifts for my homestay family (an important part of the tradition of travelling in Japan) and other travelling expenses.