In addition to learning new material at a new school in a new country, I had to make new friends. “Pass it!” “ I’m open...cross it!” “Take the shot!” While sweating and laughing with my classmates on the school’s beautifully manicured soccer field, out of the corner of my eye I glimpsed the principal sternly striding in our direction. My jaw dropped to learn of the school’s soccer ban that required lunch detention for breaking said rule. This minor setback sparked my creativity. “Guys…we can still play soccer…just on the 4-square court instead.” I suggested. Playing 4-square with our feet, the old, ratty recess basketballs bounced and skipped from square to square with satisfying ‘thump, boing, thunk’ sounds. As an added bonus, we could avoid touching these moist, grimy, well-worn basketballs with our hands. While exploring the island, chirping, buzzing, and overall annoying insects were a part of my life. With the rich foliage, ever blooming flowers, and constant vigilance for the native poisonous snakes, I soon grew to appreciate the tropical jungle environment that my new friends had always called home.
In contrast to the soccer ban, one of my favorite things about my new school was the amazing ocean view. Everyday as I arrived at school, the glassy ocean full of blues and greens slowly ebbing and flowing was an energizing mood booster. Japanese cuisine was another surprisingly enjoyable aspect of my life in Okinawa. The divine aromas flowing from the school kitchen (yes, the school kitchen), welcomed me to lunch, which was served in a box with intricate designs and patterns. Meals combining savory, spicy, and sweet flavors were colorfully arranged and nourished us for our intense games of “soccer 4-square”.
As a novice in the Japanese language, the lowest proficiency level was fitting for my knowledge at the time. Fascinated by the high tempo, yet soft and gentle sounds of the Japanese language, I observed the daily Japanese exchanges my parents had with locals in our community. New words eventually became recognizable and my vocabulary improved. The series of consonants and vowels strung together without pause soon became meaningful as I interpreted common statements like “something something something desu ka?” Identifying fragments of conversations became effortless, like the ending “desu ka?”, which indicated that a question was being asked. This method of learning helped me to express my ideas smoothly and to use correct grammar in Japanese class. I persevered to learn this complex language. The reward was not only my personal satisfaction, but also a new and more meaningful life experience in Okinawa.
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