My studies of Japanese Language and Culture has been a long and difficult, yet incredibly rewarding journey. When I began my education at CSUMB and began my general education requirements alongside my introductory language classes, I wanted nothing more than to fill my schedule with only Japanese classes. It was almost as if JAPN 101 was a teaser for what was to come, and I could not wait. Since my initial interest was focused on the Japanese language, culture and history were little more than afterthoughts as I entered my major courses. However, much like how my initial interest in Japanese started as a coincidental interest, my curiosity in all things Japanese grew exponentially with time.
Moving through MLO 1 was perhaps the most time-consuming requirement, and I found that the classes I took needed more attention than any classes I had taken before. At CSUMB, the most memorable language classes I took were JAPN 304 and JAPN 404. The most difficult but most rewarding part of these classes was the fact that they were not simply learning new forms of grammar or conjugations. These classes both focused on directing our Japanese knowledge to achieve a practical function, translation and presentation, respectively. Because of this, I felt that my Japanese grew the most during these classes in addition to my study abroad.
To my initial surprise, I found all my culture classes to be incredibly interesting. As time went on, I realized that language and culture cannot be separated, as they influence each other greatly. My culture classes allowed me another lens through which to observe my progression of the Japanese language through. The most memorable MLO 2 classes were JAPN 212 and JAPN 380. 212 was the first time that I learned about the history of Japan and I found myself starting with little to no background knowledge, a situation I had scarcely found myself in beforehand. It was refreshing; recounting all I had learned at the end of the semester helped me realize the progress I had made. JAPN 380 gave me a chance to enhance my regional knowledge of Japan and made me realize that Japan has distinct regions each with its rich history and traditions. When studying language, dialects is one of my favorite topics, so this course gave me cultural knowledge that I could pair alongside my linguistic interests.
My study abroad was the most defining moment of my Japanese studies. I faced many problems and setbacks, such as having a lower proficiency level than all of my classmates upon arriving. However, the warm community at the University of Kitakyushu and support from my professors at CSUMB gave me the confidence I need to stay a whole year. This immersion helped me achieve MLO 5 and gain an intense knowledge about myself, my own country, and how national origin shapes one’s world more than one initially anticipates.
After returning from Japan, I began my capstone project with my partner Micaela Mussell. During our pre-capstone class, we learned proper research techniques and identified our areas of interest. I achieved my MLO 4 requirements and this final step allowed me to culminate all of my previously learned knowledge and combine it into a comprehensive exploration of music trends in Japan and America.
As I continue into my professional life, I have come to realize that the Japanese language and culture have become part of my life. I aspire to enter the JET program and return to Japan as a bridge between the Japanese people and my own culture. Beyond that, I would like to enroll at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey to pursue a graduate degree in Japanese translation.
Moving through MLO 1 was perhaps the most time-consuming requirement, and I found that the classes I took needed more attention than any classes I had taken before. At CSUMB, the most memorable language classes I took were JAPN 304 and JAPN 404. The most difficult but most rewarding part of these classes was the fact that they were not simply learning new forms of grammar or conjugations. These classes both focused on directing our Japanese knowledge to achieve a practical function, translation and presentation, respectively. Because of this, I felt that my Japanese grew the most during these classes in addition to my study abroad.
To my initial surprise, I found all my culture classes to be incredibly interesting. As time went on, I realized that language and culture cannot be separated, as they influence each other greatly. My culture classes allowed me another lens through which to observe my progression of the Japanese language through. The most memorable MLO 2 classes were JAPN 212 and JAPN 380. 212 was the first time that I learned about the history of Japan and I found myself starting with little to no background knowledge, a situation I had scarcely found myself in beforehand. It was refreshing; recounting all I had learned at the end of the semester helped me realize the progress I had made. JAPN 380 gave me a chance to enhance my regional knowledge of Japan and made me realize that Japan has distinct regions each with its rich history and traditions. When studying language, dialects is one of my favorite topics, so this course gave me cultural knowledge that I could pair alongside my linguistic interests.
My study abroad was the most defining moment of my Japanese studies. I faced many problems and setbacks, such as having a lower proficiency level than all of my classmates upon arriving. However, the warm community at the University of Kitakyushu and support from my professors at CSUMB gave me the confidence I need to stay a whole year. This immersion helped me achieve MLO 5 and gain an intense knowledge about myself, my own country, and how national origin shapes one’s world more than one initially anticipates.
After returning from Japan, I began my capstone project with my partner Micaela Mussell. During our pre-capstone class, we learned proper research techniques and identified our areas of interest. I achieved my MLO 4 requirements and this final step allowed me to culminate all of my previously learned knowledge and combine it into a comprehensive exploration of music trends in Japan and America.
As I continue into my professional life, I have come to realize that the Japanese language and culture have become part of my life. I aspire to enter the JET program and return to Japan as a bridge between the Japanese people and my own culture. Beyond that, I would like to enroll at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey to pursue a graduate degree in Japanese translation.