サレジオ学院中学校 高等学校 Salesio Gakuin Junior and Senior High School

③ ドム君から

The Japanese Life That I Experienced
By: ドム
　　
May 29, 2016 marked the beginning of a memorable experience for me. The highlights of my trip included meeting my family, the farewell party, and the day I left Japan.
　　　

When I first met my host family, I can’t help but feel nervous. But they gave me a warm welcome and made me feel at home. My host family was a lot similar to my family here. They accepted me like an adopted child. I hardly felt homesick. Time spent with them has inspired me to improve my Japanese even more. Also, my listening skills have improved. I appreciate everything they did for me. My mother always prepared obento for me and would usually be delicious! One time, they treated me to Udon and my father was amazed with how much I enjoyed the food. I have come to love and cherish my family very much.
　　

My school life was filled with fun. My peers and I joined a club, called the “ESS” upon the invitation of a member. It was an English Speaking club . A teacher invited us to a short conversation with a few students in English and gained friends in the process. I was invited to play basketball with them every Friday. My favorite subject was P.E. because we had a chance to play tennis. My Filipino classmates and I really had fun. An interesting fact about the school is that it was featured in an anime. The Prince of Tennis was based on the school’s tennis tournament championships.
　　　

During the farewell party, the food was delicious with barbecue and a hot plate grill on the table. I already felt the happiness before the party even started. As more schoolmates came, I savored the company of my Filipino and Japanese classmates together. Tea was served that night to which I have grown accustomed to during my stay in Japan. I went home ahead with my mother, my brother Kenta and his friends. It was a perfect night I shall never forget.
　　　

The last day, I didn’t know what to feel. Excited or sad? When we arrived at Narita, it wouldn’t sink in that I was going home. My family bid me farewell as we entered the security checkpoint. I almost felt like I didn’t want to leave them. Father and Mother’s hugs were comforting. I had felt warmth in my heart at that moment. There are more I wanted to do. My only regret was that I could not think of it whenever Kenta asked me what I wanted to try. Nevertheless, the trip was definitely worth it.
　　

I want to encourage every student of Caritas Don Bosco School to not quit on their Japanese Classes. It is always good to learn a new language. If a chance presents itself, take it. This journey of mine had been educational and a contribution to my personal development. It’s helped strengthen my pillars. When I go back, I would know how to live on my own.
　　

【要旨】
　2016年５月29日、僕の忘れる事のできない経験が始まりました。
　　
　最初にホストファミリーと会った時はとても緊張しましたが、とても優しく迎え入れてくださったので、すぐに打ち解けることができました。僕の本当の家族とよく似た家庭だったし、自分の息子のように扱ってくださったので、ホームシックにもなりませんでした。ホストマザーは毎日美味しいお弁当を作ってくれましたし、うどん屋さんに連れて行ってくれた時には、あまりにうどんが気に入った様子にホストファザーもびっくりでした。僕はホストファミリーが大好きになりました。
　　
　サレジオ学院での学校生活はとても楽しいものでした。僕たちはESSにも参加し、友達を作ることができ、バスケットも一緒にやりました。授業では体育が好きで、テニスができたのが楽しかったです。「テニスの王子様」がサレジオが舞台だったなんて驚きです。
　　
　送別会ではバーベキューや鉄板焼きの料理も美味しく、クラスのみんなと一緒に楽しみました。このステイ中にだいぶ慣れました日本のお茶も頂きました。そして楽しい夜を過ごした後は家族、兄弟、友達と一緒に帰りました。
　　
　最終日、成田に着いた時は寂しいのか興奮しているのか分からなくなりました。家族と別れる時も本当にもう帰るのか実感がわきませんでした。セキュリティに入り、さよならの言葉をかけられた時には離れたくありませんでした。いつも兄弟のケンタから『何をしたい？』と聞かれて答えられなかったけど、もっとやっておけばよかったかな。でも、このステイは僕にとって価値のあるものでした
　　
　帰国したら学校の友達に日本語の授業を止めないように言うつもりです。新しい言語を学ぶことは素晴らしいことだから。チャンスがあればつかむことだ。今回のこの短期留学はとてもためになったし、自立できる自信をつけさせてくれました。