私を変えた言語：努力と自己受容の旅

Hello guys!, I started studying at a Japanese school in the 5th grade without knowing how to read or write in Japanese. It was a very difficult time because I felt incapable and constantly compared myself to the other students. Since I was young, I had already felt different because of my appearance, but not knowing the language made me feel even more out of place.

In the 7th grade, when school became more challenging, I felt like I was falling behind. I had to work very hard to get good grades and enter high school.

To improve my Japanese, I started reading a lot of manga and books, always choosing ones with ふりがな so I could understand the kanji. At first, I depended on it completely. Reading was slow and sometimes frustrating. However, the moment I stopped comparing myself to the other Japanese students and began focusing only on my own progress and small achievements, everything started to change. I continued reading everyday, and little by little, I began recognizing more characters on my own. One day, I realized that I could read manga and books without ふりがな, and that moment made me feel truly proud of myself. It showed me that I was capable of improving through persistence.

When it was time to choose a university, the fear came back. In the past, I often avoided things because I was afraid. But this time was different. Even though I was insecure, I chose to study Psychology.

I also met a friend who is very confident about herself. Her confidence positively influenced me and helped me start liking myself more. Seeing how she accepts herself made me realize that I could do the same.

Now, as a psychology student, I understand my past better. I realize that it was just a phase. When we are young, it is normal to compare ourselves to others and want to be like them. But now I like myself just the way I am, and I understand that this is what makes me special.

Luana Vilares Inoue – Aluna スプリングスクール