An Open Letter to My Akashi Family

Manila, Philippines

June 12, 2018

“Travel isn't always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you; it should change you.”

-Anthony Burdain

The 11 days that we spent in Japan, felt as if we’ve been there our whole lives. Who knew that in a span of 11 days I’d become part of one wonderful family. Of course it was a rough start, having to adjust to a new schedule, being uncertain of other’s personalities and traits, getting to know each other, etc., but in the end everything is worthwhile. Our last two days in Japan went by in a blur, it was as if we were already accustomed to how things are being done, what’s our schedule, which train stations are we getting on and off, how to get to certain places. In this letter I’d like to personally thank each and everyone whose been with me this whole trip. This letter goes out to the following:

Our teachers, thank you for always being there for us. For the constant reminders, being our second parents, the patience and kindness that you have given us, everything. Although at times we fall short, you’re still there for us acting as our guide.

My fellow DLSU classmates, you guys are one, if not, the best bunch of people that I’ve been with. I’m grateful that it’s you who I got to enjoy this exchange program with. Thank you for the memories that we had in Japan, I’m sure that it’s not the last and as the days go by we’ll make much more. Here’s to more laughs and commuting!

Our 2C class, thank you for openly welcoming us. I know at first it came a bit as a shocker that we’d be having classes with you guys, but as the days progressed you welcomed us. I may not have talked to most of you, but I’ll always remember the days that we spent and the friendship we had. I just hope that we could’ve spent more time with you, I think that we’d be closer, but thank you, still.

My buddy, although we don’t usually talk, I’d still like to thank you for trying to explain to me what’s happening, especially in class. Thank you for being my translator and sole tutor during Japanese class. It’s too bad we didn't get to hang out more, but I hope to see you soon!

The friends I’ve made (who aren't going to the Philippines), I’ll certainly miss you all. You guys are so sweet and nice, (for the girls) I think I’ll miss playing tennis with you guys. The smiles and grins on your faces are more than enough to have made me feel like home. Thank you for the memories and laughs we shared, I’ll treasure them all. Even though we don’t talk as much, even with Line, I’ll always be here for you as a friend.

The friends I’ve made (who are going to the Philippines), see you soon! I look forward to making more memories with you here. I hope that you will enjoy your visit here as much as we enjoyed our time there. Please have a safe trip and see you soon!

These words aren’t enough to express my gratitude, but I hope it will suffice. This whole trip or exchange program to Japan is really moving. As what Anthony Bourdain has said about traveling, “The journey changes you; it should change you.” This one of the many adventures in a life time changed me in a way that it has helped me see the world outside my comfort zone. The friends I made and the memories we shared, you can’t experience them just by sitting in the four corners of your classroom, or even by researching them, it’s you who must single-handedly experience them. I’m thankful, really thankful, that I got to experience all of these.

In the end, however we have to say goodbye. Saying goodbye isn’t the end, it’s just like saying, “see you soon,” what’s painful is knowing the fact that it’s possible that you may never see them again, but there should always be room for hope.

See you soon,

Johanna

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