Instead, I took a deep breath and decided that I didn’t want to feel that lost ever again. That moment, feeling so small and overwhelmed, became the push I needed. I started studying harder. I asked for help more often. I paid closer attention to how Japanese people talked, how they filled out forms and how they asked questions politely. Bit by bit, I learned.
And now? I can’t say I understand everything, but I understand a lot more than I did on that tough day. That challenge became a turning point.
Experiences like that taught me that getting out of your comfort zone is where real learning happens. It's like stretching a muscle. It might feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but that’s how you get stronger.
I’ve also learned how important it is to always keep learning, not just from books, but from people, places and even mistakes. Japan is full of beautiful traditions and incredible history, but some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned here came from everyday moments: noticing how people politely bow to each other, learning why taking your shoes off inside is respectful or figuring out how to recycle properly (which is way more complicated here than at home!). Every day was a chance to be curious, ask questions and grow just a little more.
You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to start doing that. You can start now, right where you are. Try something new, even if it scares you a little. Learn a few words in another language.
