When I first heard of an internship possibility, I was very excited and was wondering what opportunities lie at my door step. Looking over the possible areas of study made me think I could acquire some very important skills and make some significant contacts for future benefit. But I realized, as the application process began, that I may not get a chance or opportunity to do what I really wanted to do. My dream job or goal in my career life is to become an ambassador; to represent my country and change the face of America in the area of International Relations. Because of this dream, it would only be natural for me to want to ascertain any and everything that would guide me on the course for success. My first few choices were of course to get an internship with a governmental agency. This would include the American consulate or the Australian consulate. In my mind it was all worked out. I would finally be that much closer to fulfilling my goal as a future ambassador. But life has a way of pointing things out to us and letting us know that there are some things in life that require more attention and immediate care. As of this very moment, I feel that not getting an internship with the American consulate or the Australian consulate was the best thing for me. I think it was Gods way of showing me or reminding me of why I came to Japan in the first place. I came to Japan to find myself. I came to find out what I truly want in life and how I choose to develop as a young man. From the time that I have been here, I have witnessed this slow evolution to becoming a novel human being. I can honestly say, up until this point, I have never been more content with my life then I am now. And I can honestly say, full heartedly, that the cause of this life contentment is partially due to none other than this internship.

On the day of my interview, I knew then that this place was going to be perfect for me. From meeting the people to touring the facility, this place was becoming more and more of a place suited perfectly for my goals. The interview also made me realize that I was in Japan. Normally you would think this kind of realization would happen the moment I stepped off the plane and saw nothing but Japanese, but that goes along the lines of physical realization. This type of realizations was mental. After nearly three months of living and socializing in Japan, it finally hit me that I was in another country and not just another country but Japan, the place I have longed to go since high school. It hit me that I was finally making a long term goal come true and it was a moment of great complacency.

The first day of my internship, I had met the person with whom terms and information about my internship was being conversed. His name is Yamakawa Dice. It was interesting to me because I had never heard or seen him before the first day of my internship. It was also interesting because I was under the impression the person emailing me was a female. But when I read over the past emails between us I realized my perception of identity is lacking in the most horrible way. It was also evident he had his own expectations of who I was. Almost immediately after he introduced himself he said "wow you're tall. A lot taller then I though, wow". I, of course, had a small chuckle from his reaction. It was nice to know I was not the only one who had their own ideas about the other. It was like we were on the same page in a lot of ways. It was clear from that moment on, Yamakawa and I, were destined to be great friends. As the internship progressed, we hung out more and on one particular day, going no were in particular, I had a moment of euphoria. The long forgotten feeling of what being a friend encompasses came back to me. It was a rush of so much emotion that I could barely hide the huge grin on my face. It was my first moment of true happiness since I came to Japan. It was a moment I would never forget.

One of the more intriguing aspects of this internship was the communication. From the very beginning, my level of understanding Japanese was under the impression of a beginner. I was only able to make short and easy sentences and I understood less than that of a five year old Japanese child. But despite the circumstances I pressed on. I pressed on into a situation where only half of my superiors could understand English and only one was somewhat fluent. This was in no way a down side or an impediment to my internship experience. The actuality of me being an American foreigner and English speaking with an interest in Japanese was something to behold in their eyes. I think it gave them the needed push to ask questions concerning myself and my language. Becoming friends with them made me realize that through this type of interaction, I am making a difference in the way they perceive foreigners. It was made to my attention, including by Japanese students that have been to other countries, the horrible perception of Americans. It encompassed not just Americans in general but the perception of Black Americans as well. I had not thought about this until this very moment; I am representing not only my country but my race. I want people to know that, perceiving Black Americans as being dangerous, loud, and even ignorant, is not how we should be categorized. Within every variety of groups, you will find these types of people but it is even more shocking to me that this is a general perception of an entire race! Why it is categorized in this manner is an entirely different topic but what I intend to do is to change this perception for the better. Another reason for my interest in the international scene is to change the face of "Black Face"; how the world perceives Black people. In my mind it is only through the social interactions of different cultures from around the world that true changes can arise. If I want to change the world then I must see the world; show myself to others and prove life is more then what you see on television and read in newspapers and magazines. I want to show the world that there is another side to the coin and discovering this side begins with a simple inquisition. And that's what I have done by accepting this internship; I have shown the side of a coin to those, which may have otherwise, never knew it existed.

I have made a small part of my longtime goal come true and it is mainly due to the internship I embarked upon. The things that I have learned, the people that I have met, and the memories that were created during my stay here in Japan, will never be forgotten. From working with my fellow employees to the proof-reading health-care documents, there was never a moment of regret or malcontent. It was the perfect way to begin the season of the cicadas' and I look forward to what this fall semester will bring.