Part 3: The Gifts I Gained from Studying Abroad and the Decision to Return Home No8

Volunteer Experience: Nursing Home / Evergreen Hospital

Besides studying, I volunteered at Keiro Nursing Home and Evergreen Hospital in Seattle. Volunteering required not only an application but also attending lectures and passing exams on safety and infection control.

At the nursing home, I mainly assisted with meals. At Evergreen Hospital, I helped guide people at the reception desk and assisted with the transport of patients being admitted or discharged. Since hospital stays were short, many patients left in wheelchairs and were driven home, which left a strong impression on me.

Although I did not hold a nursing license in the U.S., my experience as a nurse in Japan was taken into consideration, and I was given the opportunity to accompany nurses in the Day Surgery Unit to help with pre-operative care.

Evergreen Hospital held an annual award ceremony for volunteers, where medals were given based on years of service. The length of the medal ribbon indicated the degree of contribution.

Visits from Family and Friends: Trips to Seattle, Florida, and Vancouver

During my stay, my mother—who was in her 80s—visited me with my nephew. When she arrived, I rented out a nearby Japanese restaurant and invited local friends for a dinner gathering. My nephew and I also went to watch a baseball game featuring Ichiro Suzuki, who was playing for the Mariners at the time.

A friend from my student days came to Florida’s Disney World, so I went to meet her at Orlando International Airport and we drove around Florida in a rental car. Additionally, I visited Vancouver four times, which is within driving distance from Seattle.

Seattle's Space Needle Tower

Returning to Japan After Two Years—A Shortened Plan and an Unexpected Incident

I originally planned to stay for five years, but I used up my planned budget in just two years. Since I was finishing the final year at Bellevue Community College (BCC), I decided to go back to Japan.

My English skills were still not enough, but just as I had heard—“Your language skills improve when you have a boyfriend”—I had started dating someone in the U.S., and that relationship boosted my confidence in phone conversations.

However, when it came time to leave, I spent too long saying goodbye. Combined with the heightened security procedures following the terrorist attacks, I reached the gate only to find the plane already heading toward the runway.Fortunately, the plane turned back for me and I managed to board—but the cold stares of the passengers became an unforgettable “welcome back to Japan” moment.

Looking Back on the Meaning of Studying Abroad

Some may see my age as making this move reckless. However, because of this experience, I later gained the opportunity to take the Healthcare Policy Human Resource Development Program at the University of Tokyo (known as HSP).I was also selected—one of only two people among about 40 applicants—through an open recruitment for committee members of the Kanagawa Prefectural Comprehensive Plan.

These experiences led me to where I am today. Studying abroad brought me countless opportunities to challenge and explore the world anew.

In Closing

This article reflects how my experience of studying in the U.S. in my 50s shaped the path I have taken since.The relationships I built across language and cultural differences, and my volunteer work in medical and nursing settings, are directly connected to the services I now provide:

• Corporate training (including for medical and nursing facilities): program design that fosters relationship-building, communication skills, and active listening among diverse teams

• Patient and family support in healthcare settings: facilitating dialogue and conflict management between people in different positions

• Counseling and Musculen-Relief techniques for individuals: building trust and supporting the recovery process

  
  

Under the name harmonia, my activities center on harmony, mutual support, and sincere engagement.

If my experiences can offer someone new understanding, empathy, or courage to take a step forward, I would be truly grateful.