Time flies indeed. It’s already been half a year since I decided to study in Japan, thanks to the help of my Japanese friends. It may seem short, but it’s filled with countless memories for me. I first came to Japan about 8 years ago, staying at the home of a Japanese friend I met in Australia. My friend’s mother took care of me every day, and having lost my own mother in childhood, it was the first time I truly felt how wonderful and mysterious a mother is. Since it was the end of the year in Japan, I accompanied my friend to their grandparents’ homes and visited shrines for prayers. This two-week trip was enjoyable and became an unforgettable memory. After several visits to Japan, I finally came in April this year for my studies. Having never attended Japanese language classes, I was worried about my proficiency. Upon joining the school, I met various people and even got a part-time job referral from a classmate. After classes from Monday to Thursday, I would immediately hop on the company bus to the factory. I used to chat with my senior on the bus every day. However, the job was tough, and I had to quit due to health issues. On my last day, my senior gave me a present. I had heard that Japanese people are polite, but experiencing it firsthand was surprising and touching. As I continued to study hard, the time came for me to face the biggest challenge for international students – the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Though unsure about passing, I took the exam. After finishing the JLPT, just before my much-anticipated first summer vacation, I faced another challenge – a speech contest. However, having passed the JLPT and successfully completing the speech contest, I overcame all hurdles. This process gradually built up my confidence. Now, I work at the cash register in a sushi restaurant near my home. Gaining confidence, I can now talk to customers and colleagues every day. I enjoy my work daily. My story in Japan continues, and though many challenges may await, I am determined to persevere. Let’s, as fellow international students, strive together to create our greatest stories. To be continued.