Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UH Manoa canceled all study abroad programs for the semester. At the beginning of the outbreak, I tried to stay hopeful that the program would not canceled and that the virus situation would blow over. However, the program was officially canceled in late March and shortly after Japan declared a state of emergency. My parents and I searched for masks everywhere - including places like convenience, grocery, and medicine stores - but they were all sold out! Funny enough, wearing a mask in Japan is quite normal and is done to prevent the spread of sickness. Honestly, I was disappointed at the missed opportunity of studying abroad and tried to come to terms with this unfortunate news by staying optimistic and reapplying for the program for next spring.
Looking back, I am still grateful I was able to stay in Japan for eight months (the longest I've been so far) and spend time with my family. My parents used to work at Pearl Harbor but a few years ago, they received a short-term contract to work on Yokosuka's Naval base with an opportunity for extension. Although I did not get to meet fellow college students, I was able to practice my Japanese and basically served as the translator for my family. This was the first time I was able to immerse myself in the language and the various struggles I encountered pushed me to improve: from learning more natural ways of saying certain phrases to new kanji and vocabulary.
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I just want to say thank you to Mr. Graeme Freeman and Mr. Alec Freeman. It is because of through their generosity that I am able to afford the tuition of studying abroad and have this unique opportunity to experience a new country and culture.
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