The Land of the Rising Sun
It's hard to get started on writing blog posts again after not keeping up with it for so long. Like absurdly hard. Nonetheless it's a task worthy of my time. Now I just need to choose a decent starting point. The present is as good of an option as any so we'll begin in the here & now.
I live in Japan although the locals know it as Nippon. The Land of the Rising Sun. What strikes me as most different is the culture. America is notorious for being an individualistic country; Japan is collectivist. Everyone here is polite regardless of how they may feel about you. The nature is lush: from the mountains to the beaches, there is a strong sense of universal oneness with the world which surrounds the people.
Shortly after my arrival I found out that I advanced in rank from E-4 (Petty Officer 3rd Class) to E-5 (Petty Officer 2nd Class). In the Navy that's considered one of the most significant transitions in a sailor's career. My new found rank came coupled with privileges, responsibilities, & expectations. Through hard discipline, focused learning, & many late nights, I bridged the gap between my level of knowledge and the level of knowledge expected of a seasoned 2nd Class Petty Officer.
Perhaps the most noteworthy benefit of my new rank is the off-base housing allowance that comes with it. Although I haven't moved-in yet, I'm entitled to a healthy stipend which covers my living expenses. I opted for a modern one-bedroom apartment in Zushi (a beach town) with heated floors & a wide view of the ocean. There are few other gaijin (foreigners) who live there compared to Yokosuka (the naval town where I work) which makes for a very authentic experience.
Starting in March I'll begin online classes at Arizona State University. It's strange returning to my pursuit of higher education after being in the military for so long. Fortunately my love for learning is as high as it has ever been. Between my motivation & discipline there is no reason for me to not succeed. My AP credits & military schools awarded me 45 college credits so I'll be entering as a sophomore. The Navy's tuition assistance allows for me to take up to 18 credits per year free of charge which would put me just 3 credits shy of a Bachelor's when I get out. My choice of degree will be psychology with a concentration in statistics. Although my penultimate aspiration is behavioral economics, a strong foundation in psychology will serve me well in life.
There's a lot more I want to write but I think starting slow is a good way to go so that I don't get burned out. Until next time.
I live in Japan although the locals know it as Nippon. The Land of the Rising Sun. What strikes me as most different is the culture. America is notorious for being an individualistic country; Japan is collectivist. Everyone here is polite regardless of how they may feel about you. The nature is lush: from the mountains to the beaches, there is a strong sense of universal oneness with the world which surrounds the people.
Shortly after my arrival I found out that I advanced in rank from E-4 (Petty Officer 3rd Class) to E-5 (Petty Officer 2nd Class). In the Navy that's considered one of the most significant transitions in a sailor's career. My new found rank came coupled with privileges, responsibilities, & expectations. Through hard discipline, focused learning, & many late nights, I bridged the gap between my level of knowledge and the level of knowledge expected of a seasoned 2nd Class Petty Officer.
Perhaps the most noteworthy benefit of my new rank is the off-base housing allowance that comes with it. Although I haven't moved-in yet, I'm entitled to a healthy stipend which covers my living expenses. I opted for a modern one-bedroom apartment in Zushi (a beach town) with heated floors & a wide view of the ocean. There are few other gaijin (foreigners) who live there compared to Yokosuka (the naval town where I work) which makes for a very authentic experience.
Starting in March I'll begin online classes at Arizona State University. It's strange returning to my pursuit of higher education after being in the military for so long. Fortunately my love for learning is as high as it has ever been. Between my motivation & discipline there is no reason for me to not succeed. My AP credits & military schools awarded me 45 college credits so I'll be entering as a sophomore. The Navy's tuition assistance allows for me to take up to 18 credits per year free of charge which would put me just 3 credits shy of a Bachelor's when I get out. My choice of degree will be psychology with a concentration in statistics. Although my penultimate aspiration is behavioral economics, a strong foundation in psychology will serve me well in life.
There's a lot more I want to write but I think starting slow is a good way to go so that I don't get burned out. Until next time.
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