Life in a public school is fun and interesting but also pretty different and sometimes tough. I enjoy having lots of friends, hanging out with them, and joining in on school activities like class matches and speeches. Being in clubs and joining competitions is also great. But I’ve had some difficulties too. At first, I didn’t know much about the school programs and felt confused. Additionally, the number of subjects to study increased in high school, making academics more challenging. After a while, though, I got used to most things and started to enjoy it more.
The summer camp was a program where students could spend their summer break outdoors, camping, doing activities, and making friends from all over, all while enjoying English. As an assistant to the guides, I helped with planning, leading the students, keeping them engaged, and making sure they had a great time. Despite the challenges we faced, we worked as a team to overcome them and stay prepared for whatever came next. We had tons of activities and games, and as guides, we joined the students in hikes, paddleboarding on the lake, jumping in the river, and more. The highlight for me was swimming in the lake and then relaxing in a warm onsen afterward. We all worked together to pack for the trip, plan the schedule, and ensure everyone was having a blast. Reflecting on the camp, I realized how much I had grown. I became more comfortable with camping, being outdoors, and dealing with big bugs. I also developed leadership skills and improved my English communication, especially when being with students.
After all the fun at camp, I had one week left at my public high school before heading to Canada. I wanted to make the most of it by enjoying my time with friends, experiencing life at the school, and showing my appreciation to everyone who supported me. I spent my lunch breaks going around the school, getting documents signed, and saying goodbye to friends. On my last day, my class surprised me with a farewell, and I took lots of pictures, thanked everyone, and packed up my desk and locker. I was preparing not just physically but also mentally for the big move, trying to understand the emotions I would experience during the journey and farewells.
The next day was my flight, marking the start of my long journey and new school life. I felt a mix of sadness and excitement. I packed everything from clothes and books to food and documents. My flight wasn’t direct; it included a transit in Dallas, where I got a brief taste of the U.S. I noticed that things like food, buildings, and space were bigger compared to Japan, and I enjoyed this new experience. As I approached Calgary, I was amazed by the city’s night view—it was stunning and took my breath away. Before going to Strathmore, I spent a few days exploring Calgary, enjoying the sights, especially Prince Island Park and the cityscape from there. It felt like walking through a painting. The climate was nice and dry, and the park was spacious, which I really liked. I also found the “Skywalk,” also known as the “+15,” to be a very unique and impressive innovation. It’s a network of bridges connecting buildings across blocks, allowing people to walk and travel indoors during harsh winter weather. The Skywalks are air-conditioned, well-maintained, and feature stores and places to grab food in each building, making it extremely convenient.
On September 1st, I moved to Strathmore and spent my first night in the school dorm. I got a feel for dorm life and met new friends from Japan, Korea, China, Mexico, and other places. My roommate is a Grade 10 student from Hong Kong. Before school started, I explored Strathmore, visiting shopping areas and residential neighborhoods. One thing that stood out to me was how kind and open the people are, always smiling. This was a new and positive experience for me. I also found it interesting how all the shopping areas are grouped together on a large plot of land, yet still seem spread out, making it feel like it takes forever to get from one store to another.
