As you can tell, my time in Japan had a huge impact on my life, which is why so many of my blog entries are devoted to it. I have been asked by many - friends and students alike - about what it felt like to leave after spending over one year in Japan. I think that I can now say, that for anyone who has dared to dream, or has simply had a short taste of life in a country other than their own, the experience of leaving often comes with great sadness and a feeling of unfinished business.
Every Friday there is a consistent pattern at the school that I teach at. It is the day that students finish their individual terms, so Fridays are always final days. I call it "Farewell Photo Friday." A few students go to different schools or look for work, but most head back to their homelands. There are always lots of tears mixed in with the hugs and seemingly endless camera flashes.
And in almost every case, there is a sense of "I'm not ready to leave yet."
I know this because I have walked in those shoes. I have experienced those feelings. And this brings me to the most profound piece of email wisdom that I received in 2006. For those of you returning home to your country, please read my story. I hope that it holds true for you, too.
LEAVING JAPAN
It was during the month of April 2006, and I was experiencing an emotional roller-coaster, as the idea of leaving Japan after 15 months gave me incredible sadness. I had met some wonderful friends, and Japan had become my adopted country, so it was with great reluctance that I tendered my resignation from Nova on April 28th.
However, a thoughtful piece of prose came in an email from a former co-worker of mine back in Canada, and the message gave me great encouragement and allowed me to focus on what I had accomplished in Japan, rather than what I was leaving. Below is the message, in its entirety except for editting for context.
No doubt you're having mixed emotions about leaving Japan, but hold your head high on your way out. I know how much you wanted this opportunity way back in the beginning, you finally got it and flourished. (It is) spookily similar to other dreams we once held. (It's) Better to be a has-been than a never-was, only your experience far outweighs anything the broadcast world could ever offer. You dreamed, you went, you "conquered".....and like any performer worth his weight, you're leaving them wanting more! And like any professional with a passion for what he does, YOU'RE leaving....wanting more. Well done.
Best of luck to you in the next chapter. With congrats and admiration,
Ian Y.
Ian and I had worked together for two years during the mid-1990s, and both of us had dreams of long careers in the radio business. When our station was sold and we were cast adrift, we lamented our loss and struggled with finding direction. He knew, more than anyone, what it was like to re-establish yourself.
His message spoke of being proud of your accomplishments, and to realize that you make a valuable impression wherever you go. The fact that you even try is admirable. If you try and succeed, even if it is for a short time, it is a victory, for no one can take your experience away from you, or treat it as nothing of value. The only failure is if you refuse to try, or as Ian put it, to be a "never-was." It is this important element that made me realize how truly valuable my Japan experience was, and still is, to me. That does not change, even if I am no longer living there.
And so I had to tip my hat to my friend who made this statement so eloquent. He was right, as I was leaving Japan wanting more, and my faithful students were wanting more of me as a teacher and a friend. This dream of mine to live in Japan, learn a bit of the language, see different parts of the country, and leave a great impression in the minds of the people, all had come true. As will my return be one day.
To all of those who left our school, your time in Vancouver has been a highlight of your lives. Remember it, cherish it, and know that it is something you should look back on with great pride. You have my respect and admiration for it!
