Part 2: What I Learned and Whom I Met During My Life in the U.S No7

<Days Immersed in English and Classroom Experiences>

Before going abroad, I had never been taught how to structure an academic paper at university. So writing essays in English every day was extremely challenging. I often worked until 2–3 a.m. and still attended class at 9 a.m. the next morning.Yet, as I continued writing daily, I gradually learned how to structure writing—even in Japanese. I believe this experience helped me significantly when I later needed to write essays for entrance examinations after returning to Japan.

<Relationships with Classmates>

My classmates were from various countries—South Korea, China, Russia, Italy—mostly in their teens and twenties. There was also a large age difference, and my English tended to sound like romaji, so conversation was difficult for me.I became close to a woman from Croatia in her late twenties, and when I left the U.S., I gave her my used Japanese car.I also went to baseball games with classmates and brought rice balls and Japanese food, which were well-received.In my final year, I had an opportunity to present a research project. I interviewed local citizens regarding the U.S. healthcare system and summarized their opinions for my presentation.When a male instructor at BCC passed away, I attended his memorial service even though students usually did not participate. I joined teachers and friends in remembering him.

<Experiencing the 9/11 Terror Attacks>

During my study abroad, the September 11 attacks occurred. Early that morning, an elderly acquaintance called and said, “You need to turn on the TV right now!!”When I turned it on, I saw the Twin Towers collapsing. I could not understand what was happening. News tickers repeatedly showed:“Japan experienced the first terrorist attack, and this is the second time for the U.S.”My heart felt heavy.The school shut down immediately, and a memorial ceremony was held several days later.Many Muslim students attended the college, but after the attacks, I rarely saw them on campus.When I was later assigned an essay about World War II, I faced the stark differences in perspectives between Japan and the U.S., and I realized how frightening the divergence of perceptions can be depending on one’s position.

<Moving Between Several Homestay Families>

My first homestay was a trailer house shared by a woman in her 40s and her young son. The host mother was very kind and often took me to free English lessons at a church.However, after about five months, the boy told me, “This was originally my room. I want you to leave,” so I moved.The next host family was a chiropractor’s household living in a large and seemingly wealthy home. Food was available freely, but I could not tolerate moldy bread or children’s shoes left on the dining table. I moved again after about three months.My final host was an American nurse older than me. Living with her was comfortable—almost like living with a roommate. I even attended her son’s wedding party and experienced American family life firsthand.

<Encountering Aromatherapy and Its Impact After Returning to Japan>

Due to age and lifestyle differences, I suffered from back pain while living in the U.S.There was no massage or acupuncture like in Japan, so I received in-home aromatherapy massage twice. It was highly relaxing and improved my physical condition.After returning to Japan, I searched for a similar service but couldn’t find one. So I decided to earn the qualification myself and attended a school in Yokohama for a year.

These experiences became the foundation for my current corporate training programs and my “Muscle-Lymph Counseling” services, grounded in the principle of understanding and supporting others with empathy.