Student Ambassador Reflection - Jessica Lee

Jessica Lee was selected as a student ambassador in 2016. She traveled to Wakayama Prefecture in July 2017 along with Lindsay Masukawa. 

Student Ambassador Reflection by Jessica Lee

Heading to Wakayama on the plane, I was not sure what to expect. I had been to Japan before, but I have never really seen the countryside or stayed with a homestay family.  I was nervous for the events ahead: meeting my relatives for the first time, giving a presentation and talking with the governor of Wakayama. However, every single person there was so friendly and kind, I have no clue what I was worried about. Even random people, not affiliated with the program gladly helped me when I asked them for directions to the nearest convenience store or  how to correctly put on a yukata when I was at the hotel . Wakayama is a beautiful area that prides itself in being a sanctuary for the soul. It is a place where one can enjoy the nature of the green mountains and stillness of their surroundings, especially compared to the hustle and bustle of major cities. In addition, home to many temples and shrines. During our trip down south to visit Lindsay’s and my hometowns, I was fortunate enough to view one of Wakayama’s most famous shrines, Kumano Nachi Taisha, also where the famous Nachi Falls is located.

            I was able to visit my grandpa’s father’s cousin and his family for the first time through WIXAS. Thankfully, I knew a little bit of Japanese so I could communicate simple things. I am also thankful for fun camera apps so I could connect with his granddaughters. The hotels we stayed at while we were visiting our hometowns were very nice. One was a Japanese style with sliding doors and futons. The other was a western style with beds. Both were very spacious with a beautiful view of the ocean and a relaxing onsen. During our stay down south, Lindsay and I learned about the Turkish ship that sank off Oshima Island and about the very first American contact through the Kushimoto Turkish Museum and the United States Friendship Museum. In fact, we even received a personal tour and explanation from Mr. Sakurai, the man who was involved in setting up those museums. The last thing we did down south was visit a small elementary school that Lindsay’s relative set up. I really enjoyed getting to interact with the kids and help them practice their English. They each came up to us and introduced themselves and we handed them goodies in return. Some were outgoing and excited to talk to us, and of course, others were shy and didn’t know what to say. Their friends helped them by whispering in their ear, “Hello, nice to meet you. My name is...” I was surprised that kids started learning English at such a young age. Back at WIXAS headquarters, we learned how to put on a yukata by ourselves and later we participated in a Japanese tea ceremony.

            This year, we had two host families. Both went above and beyond in welcoming me into their homes. I had a great time with the Susa’s: doing kung fu with Maika and Junko san, visiting Koyasan and Wakayama castle, and playing the card game “spoons” with the family (except we used origami samurai hats that Maika made instead of spoons!). At the Hatagami’s, I enjoyed going to their English classes and being useful by reading children’s books in English, lighting hanabi with the kids and their friends, making my own custom-made muffler at Shima Seiki, and playing the card game, “speed” with Hinata, the 8 year old. The 2 year old baby, Leora, was very sweet and would cry, “Eka!” (for Jessica) when her mom and I dropped her off at nursery school. Both households fed me so well. I enjoyed both phenomenal home cooking as well as eating out at delicious restaurants. There was always more than enough food on the table which was just yet another sign of their superb hospitality. I loved this homestay experience because the families really treated me as one of their own children. I am so grateful to WIXAS and Nanka Wakyama Kenjinkai for giving me this opportunity to connect with my relatives and explore my ancestor’s beautiful hometown.