Local students experience Japan

Morgan County students were recently recognized for their participation in the Daikin Homestay program.

The students were chosen from a group of applicants to receive a trip to Japan over the summer. Participants included Kait McCaleb and Kevin Lang of Brewer, Drew Cooper of Danville, Macie Randolph of West Morgan and Drew Colbert of Priceville.

After they returned, they were able to recount what they experienced and learned to their peers and administrators.

Drew Colbert- Priceville

Introduction in Japanese: Konnichiwa watashi no namae wa Drew des Priceville ko: ko: ni kayotte imas.

Three things that impressed him the most about Japan:

1.  People were always willing to help each other, strangers or not. The Japanese people were the most hospitable people I have ever met.

2.  In Japan, all of the public transportation systems were on time. Considering the number of people and the many trains and buses, I thought this was pretty amazing.

3.  People always followed the rules, even the ones as simple as not crossing the street on red, or holding a rail when walking up the stairs.

How would he describe the country of Japan and its people?

Japan is a beautiful country. Inside the city, the buildings and streets are very well kept and clean. Outside of the city, the mountains, bamboo forests and rice fields are abundant and show a different side of Japan that many people don’t think of or know about. The people in Japan were kind and hospitable.

By participating in the Daikin Homestay Program, what is the most valuable lesson he learned about himself?

I learned that I can be put in a completely different culture and adapt to it in a very short time. In spending time with my host family, I learned that even though we don’t speak the same language, we could still learn to communicate effectively with one another and grow very close, almost like true family.

Kevin Lang-Brewer

Introduction in Japanese: Konnichi wa, Watashi no namae wa Kevin des. Brewer High School ko:ko: ni kayotte imas

Three things that impressed him the most about Japan:

1. The generosity of the people. My host family provided whatever I needed.

2. The beauty of the land. Beautiful mountains and sea.

3. The food. Everything my host family showed me was delicious.

How would he describe the country of Japan and its people?

The country is beautiful with amazing scenery, and the people are generous and polite.

By participating in the Daikin Homestay Program, what is the most valuable lesson he learned about himself?

I learned that you don’t need to speak the same language to feel like family.

Drew Cooper- Danville

Introduction in Japanese: Konnichi wa, Watashi no namae wa Drew Cooper des. Danville ko ko ni kayotte imas. Do zo yoroshiku onegai shimas.

Three things that impressed him the most about Japan:

The overall cleanliness of the city, very little litter, lots of plants

How people were courteous and respectful in public places, trains, restaurants, museums                                       The fast pace of the city

How would he describe the country of Japan and its people?

The people of Japan are polite, friendly and eccentric. The country is very interesting geographically as it is very mountainous yet has some of the largest cities in the world.

By participating in the Daikin Homestay Program, what is the most valuable lesson he learned about himself?

That I am very capable of trying new things that I may be hesitant about.

Name: Kaitlin Mccaleb- Brewer

Introduction in Japanese: Konnichi wa, Watashi no namae wa Kait des. Brewer ko ko: ni kayotte imas.

Do:zo yoroshiku onegai shimas.

Three things that impressed her the most about Japan:

1. I was immensely impressed by the people of Japan and how respectful and kind they are, regardless of who you are.

2. The cleanliness of Japan is astounding! A country with its population should never be as clean as Japan is.

3. The food in Japan is incredible and very impressive. It is always presented nicely and looks good, even if it really isn’t.

How would she describe the country of Japan and its people?

The country of Japan and its people can not be easily described. There are really no words that truly fit Japan and its people. But after much, though, prodigiousness is the best word to describe both Japan and its residents.

By participating in the Daikin Homestay Program, what is the most valuable lesson she learned about herself?

By participating in the Daikin Homestay program, I learned that I am much stronger than I have ever given myself credit for. Also, no matter how far away from home you are, if you can take that first terrifying leap out if your comfort zone, an entire new world of opportunity awaits!

Macie Randolph- West Morgan

Introduction in Japanese: Konichiwa.Watashi no namae wa Macie des. West Morgan koko ni kayotte imas

Three things that impressed her the most about Japan:

1. How they manage being in such a small place. They have many space-saving things in their homes.

2. They keep traditions going.

3.Their attitude. They are so grateful and happy.

How would she describe the country of Japan and its people?

They country is truly beautiful. It’s clean, and architecture is amazing. The people of Japan are very compassionate. It was obvious that I was a stranger, but each person I met treated me as they did everyone else. They were so kind.

By participating in the Daikin Homestay Program, what is the most valuable lesson she learned about herself?

While in Japan. I learned a lot about myself. I learned that as long as you keep a positive attitude, you can get through any situation. I also learned that life is full of lessons. There are also blessings everywhere you look.

Drew Colbert

Drew Cooper

Kevin Lang

Kait McCaleb

Macie Randolph