Memory, Identity, and Observation 2023
Exploring relationships
In the summer of 2023, I went on a study abroad program to Japan. This experience taught me about forming relationships with strangers and traveling in a new place. Not only did I make friends that are some of my closest friends currently, but I have also learned so many lifelong lessons from them.
When I started university, I knew that I wanted to do a study abroad program at some point in my undergraduate career. While I hadn’t really thought about when or what kind of program I wanted to do, there were several locations I was interested in going to, such as Japan, the location where my parents did their co-op. During my winter quarter at UW, I got an email from the honors college advisors, with information on some study abroad programs happening for the summer, including a Japan program that would help me fulfill some of my interdisciplinary honors requirements. I knew this was something I definitely wanted to try applying for, and immediately sent an email to my PI asking if I could get a recommendation fro her for the application. This was definitely something that pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone, especially with the optional in-person interview, but I knew that this was an opportunity I would regret if I didn’t try and do my best. I was able to connect with the study abroad program director well during the interview despite my nerves, and found it exciting to be able to meet new people for the trip.
My friendships within the study abroad formed incredibly quickly, and I found myself learning more than I had expected about interpersonal relationships. Along with incredibly close friendships, there were significant amounts of drama with others in the program, and navigating more awkward interpersonal relationships was something I didn't have a lot of experience with - as someone who tries to avoid conflict and awkwardness. Having to learn how to navigate larger group dynamics for a very tight-knit group was also difficult, with different versions of conflict after leaving Japan and spending time together at UW. However, I was able to learn how to be more true to myself, how to view others' behaviors and opinions more critically, what my own values in relationships and time are, and more. My experiences with this community also cemented my view on the importance of communication, as I learned how harmful secondhand information or general miscommunication could be. I have experienced how to effectively and calmly confront friends when conflicts arise, and how to better communicate perspectives and ideas to fix sticky situations. Although the program and experiences included several ups and downs, I don't think I would have changed anything that happened.
From the program itself, I was able to learn quite a bit about the complicated nature of Japan, its culture, and Okinawa - in relation to the United States. When I had originally signed up for the program, I had been extremely excited to visit Japan, only knowing the high tech and cutesy nature of its stores and trinkets and the good food. However, I quickly learned that the place had definitely been romanticized online by foreign influencers and media depicting Japan. My friends and I all had uncomfortable experiences with locals where we were stared at, called insults, or generally disrespected because of the way we looked or acted. Class also often covered heavier topics about the history of Japan, with museum visits leaving several of us tired or uncomfortable. I definitely think the class and overall experiences in Japan made me more aware of the privileges I have living in the United States, and how traveling is not always a vacation or something easy and enjoyable. Despite these uncomfortable moments, traveling outside of the country is definitely something I want to pursue in the future. I learned how to be more independent by taking excursions by myself, and I felt like the perspectives and lessons I learned from our program helped me understand a bit more about the world we live on.