Forming Outside Connections

Today was a more relaxed and touristy day. After packing and breakfast, we left the hotel and had time for shopping at Tokyo Skytree. It was a really cool place with so many

different stores and restaurants! It was a lot of fun just walking around and wandering with

friends, namely Bennett and Josh -- even though we ran into a bunch of

people for periods of time.

We then went to lunch. Even though the day was more geared towards tourism, I wanted to apply the values of what we learned on this trip and get out of my comfort zone. I sat next to a bunch of Pomona people, and it was really fun getting to know some of

them. I could have stayed in my inner circle of people I hang out with

normally during school, but I felt throughout the trip that I got a lot closer

with my cohort and the Pomona scholars.

I was hesitant at first, still trying to find my footing as a TOMODACHI Inouye Scholar and within my own cohort, but I am so glad I did. I have met really cool people that I hope to

continue to get closer with when the Sophia scholars come. We then got more free time to shop, explored together, and shopped for clothes for a while. One thing I really appreciate about this cohort is their style from the likes of people like Tyler, Morgan, E, and Joshua who all helped me get stuff for myself. I always appreciate their attention to detail on outfits, and I really appreciated their help for my own shopping. We then went to a nearby café and just talked for a while before heading back to the bus to head to the airport. There was a quick scare with Josh and Bennett and their allergies, but other than that was pretty smooth sailing.

Waiting to depart from Haneda Airport back home!

Reflecting more on the trip as a whole, I really learned a lot and would not change this

experience for the world. I learned so much about my home culture and life lessons I plan

on implementing in my daily life and bringing back to Loyola Marymount University to share

with everyone. The homestay was really impactful and learning about the various

businesses and organizations was insightful.

More importantly, what I think this program is really about, although less emphasized, I made a bunch of connections with some really cool people from Sophia, Pomona, my host family, and even meeting the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The experience has taught me that I can bond with people regardless of background and even language – with the help of technology.