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Life after Tokyo is good, but it is not exactly Tokyo. On my return flight home, I sat by the window, peaking out every now and then. Each time, I thought about what I had just left behind. The people, the fresh air, the peace, the crapes, and 14 hours of the day hat I would get to have before everyone else back in America.
The time that I spent over there was precious, I couldn't imagine spending a semester abroad anywhere else. I met some wonderful people including my dorm manger, Aki. He was so selfless and humble. He's a person that I will never forget, considering the fact that he came to my rescue my first day in Japan. I often find myself reminiscing and wishing I could go back just for a day. Tokyo inspired me in so many ways, creatively and professionally. I recorded a few songs that were inspired by being aboard, one is titled Jet Setting, and a few others like Nutz is reflected in the sound of the music. Professionally, I have been working on a business plan for an establishment that I would like to open in the future that will be reflective of Japan.
As mentioned previously, I had the privilege of sitting in the window seat. As we passed over the oceans and grassy areas, I though about other places I would like to visit, such as Paris, Bermuda and Australia. I always wanted to go to Paris, but I met some people from Bermuda and Australia while in Japan; their accents blew me away. So I have added these to places to my list of places to visit. I've even considered working for the Department of State upon graduation, just so that I may have the opportunity to travel. Japan opened my eyes to see that there is more to the world than the one I'm content with living in.
| During the duration of my study abroad program in Tokyo, Japan, I took to two courses that were related to my field of study, tv/film. These courses included Cybermedia and Tokyo Stories. In my Cybermedia course we explored Second Life, a virtual world that exists beyond many peoples knowledge.We created our own avaitars and explored the virtual world with one question in mind, "How can we determine the future of the music industry?" Within Second Life various aspects of the music industry existed. Aspiring artists could easily book a space, playing live from their home and could stream their music live (real time) over the internet and share it with all those in the avatar world. Record Labels even existed in this virtual world, you can buy instruments, Dj equipment, and actually DJ from your home and stream the music. This was an experience that I don't think I would have stumbled upon on my own. It really makes think that music industry can and will survive on the internet, despite the threats of illegal downloads and piracy. In my Tokyo Stories class, we prepared to make a documentary of our own. This was my first real project. I had to set up interviews, recorded video, checked levels on the mics, produce and edit the piece. It was truly a learning experience. When It came time to interview, I really didn't know what I was doing, but I refused to let it show. My documentary was about Hip Hop In Japan. I covered its origin, its influence and the different styles that it entailed. You all will be able to see how it turned out in my follow up project. In all this abroad experience has expanded my mind, some of the things that i learned and experienced has shaped the way at look at things. This experience alone has made me want to see more of the rest of the world after graduation.. I am fortunate and appreciative to have been a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship because if it wasn't for the award I would have missed out on this opportunity. For that I am very grateful. |
My Follow on project includes this blog ,Memoirs of Lu Lu B, a video entitled Memoirs of Lu Lu B. Originally, I was going to title my follow on project, Project out of the Box, however Memoirs of Lu Lu B. came to me while in Japan, and since I was blogging about my experience, I felt that the title better suited my blog. Lu Lu B. stands for Lu Lu Bichon, which is my alias Memoirs of Lu Lu B includes, pictures, audio and video clips of my most cherished memories, so that my peers at Clark Atlanta University could get a glimpse of what it would be like to study abroad. I am scheduled to speak at an upcoming study abroad session in November, which I will be presenting my blog.
