TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Kana Okuba What was your opinion of the United States before you came here? I was thinking Americans don’t hesitate to express their opinion. I believe this is a very important thing—to respect different opinions and accept it. In Japan, people tend to be scared to say their opinions, especially when it’s different from others. What has been your favorite experience in the United States? It would be Halloween or Christmas. Both holidays were way bigger events than I thought. For Halloween, my host family hosted a big party. We planned it for a month! We made spider rooms and scared people. We invited friends, family and other exchange students and they all wore costumes. At Christmas, we decorated the house, Christmas tree and yard. I had fun exchanging gifts with many of my friends and my host family. I gave them Japanese gifts. My host parents planned a surprise shopping trip to Little Rock. I also had multiple parties every week. It was the busiest month I’ve ever had, but I definitely had a lot of fun. Has it been as difficult as expected being away from your family for this entire year? Yes. For me, being away from my family was the most difficult issue to overcome during this year. I cried many times. I realized how much I love my family and I started to appreciate them more. I’m excited to see my family again. What has been the biggest difference in your life here versus your life at home? I came here from Tokyo, so New Boston was a whole different environment compared to my hometown. But I love small communities. Everyone knows each other, which never happens in Tokyo. Also, we get eggs from a chicken every morning, I can ride horses, and I get to touch cows. Have you learned new habits or traditions that you want to take back home with you when you go? One thing that I learned from my host family was how important it is to do things for not only me, but others. My host family loves to plan surprises for others, help others and make others happy. I want to be like them and think not only about myself, but about people around me.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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