Japan Comes to Iowa

This afternoon Alicia had me come to her sociology class at Southwestern Community College in Creston. There is no doubt that my sociology degree is a key factor in this tour and having the interest to stay with different people.

Alicia suggested to her professor that I give a short talk on my project and the sociological influences and impacts of my trip. So I did. I remember writing before after talking to the elementary kids, “if only college students would ask this many questions.” As I expected there weren’t many questions from the college students. But, who am I to say. I probably asked more questions my senior year of college than all the previous years combined.

Anyway… how does Japanese culture find its way into the middle of the United States? It’s kind of assumed that on the coasts in places like San Francisco and New Yorck City that the culture is much more prevalent. Well the professors husband gave a great lecture on culture and societal differences between the United States and Japan.

He spoke of his experience with foreign exchange students and several trips to Japan. I’m not sure about the others in the class, but I was impressed of his knowledge of the history, language, and traditions. He touched on things that I’ll be sure to come across on my trip. I’ll never forget Mr. Wadaga (one of my high school teachers) told us, “It’s not weird, it’s just different.” It’d be great to tell him how much I draw on that quote of his.

It’s great to be able to continue my education on this trip, coming to the middle of Iowa and learning about Japanese culture. A great lesson that I couldn’t have anticipated. The lessons of an eager traveler are broad and reach a long ways. Thanks for teaching!