A Letter To My Courageous Friends

By:

Jose Alberto Beltran-Lara

Published:

Countries

Demographics

,

Majors

Regions

Jose Alberto Beltran-Lara

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> ใ“ใ‚“ใซใกใฏ <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> California State University San Bernardino <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2023 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Tokyo, Japan <i>Program provider:</i> California State University International Programs <i>Major/minor:</i> Business Administration – Analytics Concentration / Japanese and Computer Science <i>Demographics:</i> Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation American, First-Generation College Student <i>Future career aspirations:</i> Build a stronger relationship between Japan and the US in the technological area as a business analyst. Encourage other first-generation students to study abroad. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> 1. Improve my Japanese writing, listening, and speaking skills. 2. Enrich myself in the Japanese culture. 3. Build strong connections with Japanese students, professors, and colleagues.

To my courageous individuals,

To those who want are currently finding themselves through hardships, life holds a very special place for you. Only if you are willing to endure it, if you are willing to overcome the suffering, will you only find nothing but satisfaction and happiness at the end of the day.

When I began my journey to study abroad, I felt a lot of excitement. Traveling to the other side of the world to help my future dreams were something I waiting for a long time. But being on the verge of actually leaving the country felt somewhat very different than what I have planned, sort of like I was hesitant to go. But the one thing that I have found out about my experiences is that you only have one life to live. And when I was pondering what I should do, I took action and just told myself that I would be worried about what would happen later. And right now, I have had nothing but the best experience. I met some amazing people along the way, I managed to enrich myself in Japanese culture. Everything about this experience has been something I will never forget. Right now some of you are thinking of something you want to do and are hesitant because of what is unknown. But life is too short to take no for an answer.

If you are fearful of what lies in the unknown, you are going to live a life filled with regret. At one point in your life, you just have to take a leap if you want to get more out of life. If you are at one point thinking of whether or not you should do something, that is exactly when you take action and you just do. As someone told me long ago if you are going to do something, go all the way. If you are not, then donโ€™t even try. Now being at the very end of my study abroad experience, I donโ€™t want to return to my home. I want to keep learning, explore new places, and just interact with people.

But this has been something that has sparked my willingness to learn something new, step outside of my comfort zone, and just live more. All because I was willing to sacrifice what I had before to get what I have now.

With every sacrifice you give, you get something better. And so I ask you today, what are you willing to sacrifice to live the life you want? Will it be your peace, your time, your sleep? Will it be saying no to someone who is inviting you somewhere? Whatever it may be, again, just know that there is only one life to live and if you live it rightโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆ once is enough. If you need someone to talk to or want to get some advice from, I will always be here to listen. I am never too far to help someone who is trying to become better and get more out of life.

Some of the pictures I have below are what I got out of stepping out of my comfort zone. Hopefully, they will give you an insight into what you want to decide for yourself. Good luck my friend.

Best,

Your Friend