JAPAN

I have been here in Japan for almost 8 months. My Japanese ability has significantly increased, as has my understanding of the Japanese culture and people. Plus, I've been having a great time. Following Japan, I plan on returning to the US to study Virology in graduate school, and I should be getting started on that soon, but... Well, I could never forgive myself if I didn't take this chance to improve my Japanese just that much more that another year would make. By which I mean to say: I will be staying in Japan for another year. Much of my family is strongly against this (although they try to be supportive) and they will miss me a lot. It was not an easy decision; however, I will not have this chance again, so I am taking it now. I am so close to being able to converse at the level that I want in Japanese (well, I want to be fluent, but...) so I must try to reach just a little bit higher. Thanks for your support and frequent viewing of my site. It will remain up (and hopefully updated more frequently) this coming year. If you have any comments/questions about me staying a) there is a post on the message board, or b) e-mail me. :)