My Summer in Okinawa, Japan

Experiencing the Japanese Culture

I have had the great opportunity of spending my first summer out of college in Okinawa, Japan. At first I was so nervous! "What will I do without my friends, will I be bored the whole summer", I thought. But these questions were easily erased from my mind after my jet lag wore off.

I am having so much fun here! My parents and I live on a beach called Araha beach. I meet new people and experience the Japanese culture everyday. Even something as simple as going to the market has become an amazing adventure. On weekends my family and I travel to different cities, beaches, and the country-side. Each of these are so unique, but also very different.

Before my summer began I asked myself, "how can going out of the country, to Japan, benefit my career in the health sciences?" "How can I take advantage of this enriching experience?" These are great questions to ask yourself if you decide to study abroad or go out of the country. Learning about different cultures is crucial while having a career in the health sciences. So, I took what I had learned from my first year at UMR and am now shadowing and volunteering at the Family Practice and Pediatrics Clinics on Camp Lester, a marine base on Okinawa.

Last day of my pediatric observation

My trip so far has been something that I will remember forever, and will be great when discussing my future in (hopefully) medical school. I am truly blessed and if you ever get the chance to go out of the country GO! Even if you don't get the chance to involve yourself in a health-science based extra-curriculum activity. The culture experience will last you a lifetime!