Introductions

Whenever I start a blog, I feel the need for an introduction. I suppose everything starts with a beginning; an introduction. I started this blog because I've just been accepted to be an ALT starting at the end of March with Interac.

With a little bit of snooping, you've probably noticed this is my 3rd blog, and my 2nd blog about Japan. This blog is going to be completely different from the other two, because it will primarily contain written content about my life. My other blogs are about art: my creative works (ongoing) and a collaborative photography blog about Japan vs Michigan (dead). Yeah, I LOVE TO CREATE. :D

Blogs aside, I'm a 22 year old recent graduate from the Ringling College of Art and Design (formerly known as RSAD). I majored in Illustration with a minor in Photography. Ever since I watched Sailor Moon on UPN when I was 6, I've found Japan interesting and wanted to know more about the country. My love of anime turned me onto Japanese music (J-pop, J-rock, VK, and J-Indies), which eventually led me to my first trip to Japan (summer 2006). At that time in my life I had just graduated high school, but I knew I wanted to return. I actually cried the day I left the country. In May 2009, I returned to Japan for a 3 month stay to take courses on Anime and Manga at Temple University. It was an excuse to go back and stay an extended time as well as a learning experience. After playing the role of the tourist and the student, I'm now going to be playing the role of the teacher and worker. It's truly the difference between being the onlooker vs being the participant.

I'm excited and scared to leave everything I'm accustomed to for a year, but I'm ready to take the next step to see if I really do want to live in Japan for the rest of my life. This is my beginning.