1: I'm studying in the US.

Hello, I'm Shoko.

This is the first time for me to post on this blog. From today, I would like to write about my experiences thanks to the great opportunity, studying in the US, in Wesleyan College.

 

I’m from Hiroshima, Japan. I came to the US on August 14^th. I had to take and change planes alone to come to the US in very limited time. It seemed impossible for me

but I did successfully by explaining my situation to others, running so fast, and dripping with sweat and tears.

 Today, 1 month passed from my first day in the US. There are 3 months left for my studying here but my 1^st month was so meaningful and fruitful days for me. This time, I would like to write about 2 facts which I found in Wesleyan College.

1^st, my English doesn’t work in the US.

Before I left Japan, I was studying some of the classes in English only and sometimes I helped international students. When I was working at a restaurant and a cafe, I was explaining things to foreign customers in English, too. So, I had a kind of confidence by myself, even though I knew my English was not perfect. Almost all the teachers said my English had became better through 1 year, last year, obviously. However, once I came here, I lost my confidence. When I attend the classes, I realize that I'm so stupid and ignorant. One professor said, “Your English is poor.” I know the word "poor" means worse than "weak". I was very shocked. The language barrier made me feel like a little child but now, I changed my mind that I can ask others some questions like a child without hesitation and I can study hard by myself.

 

2^nd, Wesleyan College is very good place to make a lot of friends from various kinds of countries.

At a dining hall, I can have a great time with delicious food and the various kinds of friends each time. It’s so exciting for me. I communicate with them in English with some kinds of gestures and expressions.

And a dormitory also has great community. I live in Hightower. I’m getting along well with my roommate and my neighbors. I sometimes visit my friends who live in the same dormitory and other ones. They also have their own roommates and neighbors. So when I visit my friends, I can meet their surroundings, too. That’s so exciting for me.

Greetings are also important to communicate with others smoothly. In this college, I can exchange greeting and say “hi,” more naturally and easily than in Japan.

 

I’ll write other things next time. Thank you.

 

 

Shoko