2006

2006, this year was special for me. As you know, I went to Alabama to study English as university's program. Everything was new for me, for example, I had never been to foreign countries. I remember that I was so excited about going to America!! Studying abroad was one of my dreams.

Actually I was not alone because I went there with my friends who applyed for same program of studying abroad with me. Since we arrived at University of Alabama, we had stayed at New Hall, which was a old dorm. I guess we had stayed there for two weeks. I remember that at first I was disappointed because there was no American at that dorm, just us. Until ELI started, we were so bored.

And then I belonged to ELI during summer. At that time, I noticed that my English level was very low. In speaking class, we had presentation several times, but I couldn't do well. I was afraid of speaking English in front of many people. I envied guys who spoke a lot in the class. But I found I could say my opinion at discussion or in small group. And then I considerd that in private practice. I mean, I avoided spending time with Japanese big group. Moreover, there were few American there because they were taking vacation. So I had to make chance to speak English by myself, so I went to cafe which was near to our dorm with Hitomi. We were trying to make American friends. I think I got courage because we spoke to stranger who were at that cafe.

Once we were so shoked because guys who were so kind when we talked for the first time and invited to breakfast changed their attitude suddenly. I mean we called them a few days later but they ignored us.

But sometimes people were nice and taught us various special things like culture.

And also I hung out with Korean mainly. They were like old brothers for me.

After I begun to take class at UA, everything happened!! Micah, you invited me and Hitomi to the bar because of my birthday. There, to become 21 was special!! I don't know why but he rememberd my birthday. We went the bar finally, there was Kai, I remember. That was first meeting him, but at that time I didn't expect that I would like him later and bother about him though. From that day, we started to hang out often, especially Ayumi, Micah's girlfriend, invited us to the party!! She gave us a lot of chances that we met American or international students. That's why I could meet a lot of nice friends.

When I think about my English skill, it got better but still I need to practice.
And I noticed that I really like speaking English and communicating with people.

My grade at university was not good but I can say I studied very hard like when I studied to enter university. For sure, it was hard but I became stronger mentally.
You know I stayed at the libraly all night lol

Now I'm in Japan. everything was like dream,,,,,
But I'm sure I was at tuscaloosa and I got wonderful experiences, it's priceless....

Just before I left, I also met some nice people,,,, I really want to be firends with them but there were not enough time. I really wanna go back, I already miss my friends!!