On April 9, 2017, I had just turned 19 and left my parents to come to Japan alone. Even now, when I think back to that time, the excitement I felt comes flooding back. “Japan” is the starting point for my future. I used to be pessimistic, never taking any initiative, hiding my personality, and always responding with “yes,” “okay,” or “I don’t mind” to whatever was asked of me. I didn’t have my own opinions, and I didn’t think much about the future. Back then, my friends often said to me, “You’re still a child.” To be honest, at the time, I felt like I wasn’t childish inside, but looking back now, their words were true. Upon arriving in Japan, I quickly realized that my Chinese was completely incomprehensible. A friend told me, “That’s obvious; you’re in Japan now,” and I realized that I needed to work hard in Japanese because I didn’t want to be called childish anymore. I wanted to do my best here, find my true self, and change. I think I came to Japan because it was meant to be. The two years at school have been enjoyable every day. There’s only one Chinese student in my class, and I can’t communicate with him in Chinese. I no longer worry about being disliked by everyone. The teachers are friendly, and my friends around me are honest and kind. I can’t help but feel that coming to Japan was the right decision. As I adapted to the new environment, I noticed that I had changed a bit. I became a bit more cheerful, started to long for the future, and no longer hesitated about new things. I became capable of standing on my own, even if I was alone. Looking at me now, no one would call me childish. Life in Japan was a series of new experiences. People grow. It’s because of the effort I put in the past that I am who I am now. I won’t lose this feeling for the future; I will strive for it. I can become a better version of myself. I’m looking forward to the four years of university life ahead. Let’s work hard for the future so that the me four years from now can shine even brighter, make more friends, and be the best version of myself!