Hitomi began studying at Smith’s School of English, Hashimoto in 2010 with a long-term goal of going abroad for further study in English and art. She started as a beginner, improved quickly, and one day told me she was going to Vancouver. After about two years of studying with me, she sold her car, quit her job, and disappeared for a long time. During that time, she went to an English school, as well as an art school in the state of Maine, USA. She traveled a bit, and returned to Vancouver o
n a working holiday visa. She is back in Japan now, awaiting her next visa approval from Canada.
Hitomi came back to my school in Hashimoto, Sagamihara today to catch up and tell me about her adventures. How nice it was to see her again, listen to her, notice the improvement in her English and confidence! This is one of many reasons I love my job. She is truly living her dream. Vibrant, happy, full of smiles while talking, made me so happy to see this young woman moving forward. She likes living in Canada, and I suspect she will eventually call it “home” in the not so distant future. It was a very proud day for me. A former student, now friend; I have the highest respect for someone that sets a goal and works so hard to achieve it. She’s done it, and is surely going to go much further. Good for you, Hitomi! Thank you for the visit and good luck in your future endeavors!
Jim
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