Hi, there. Here is my 10th report in Portland. My studying abroad life in America is getting end. I have been in America for almost 10 months now, and I have just 1 month left. That fact makes me sad.

From end of June, I have been volunteering at two placements; The International School (TIS) and Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center (ONLC). The first day of each volunteer made me nervous because I just communicated with teachers, friends and host mother so far, but from now, I have to work with placement staff. Even though I was really looking forward to my volunteer places of course, I didn’t know what I should do and handle my task of volunteer at placements. Now, I thought it was thinking too much. The first placement, TIS is a school which is teaching different languages. Children can choose one of three Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese. My major tasks are playing with children, helping to create work, and assisting teacher. I am really enjoying volunteering at TIS. The second placement, ONLC is a Japanese American history museum that tells us what it happened to Japanese and Japanese American before, during and after World War 2. It is not only interesting to know history of Japanese American but also shocking that both Japanese and Japanese American were forced to move with limited things under the Executive Order 9066. Now there is one exhibition called Yellow Terrors. Some people may feel uncomfortable about it, but it is a real. My main tasks are sitting the front desk and greeting visitors. I will help a staff to translate Japanese into English from an old article next time.

On June 18th, there was a Pride Parade 2017 in Portland. Pride parade is for LGBT who are sexual minority. Many people marched through street by using car, dancing and holding flags. That day was significant for all people who support LGBT, and I realized that America has open mindedness about LGBT, and people understand LGBT. It is one of differences between America and Japan.

Maybe some students who read this report know the 4th of July. This day is famous for Independence Day. Americans celebrate this day, held events for it, and eat American food for dinner. In the night, we can see fireworks at Waterfront Park in downtown. I saw many people who wore T-shirts printed “Independence Day 2017”and had American flags. I can say it is one of cultural events in America.

My recent days were exciting. I went shopping in Adidas employee store, joined some market, was invited a birthday party, and went Austin Mohone’s concert! I enjoy my life right now. I hope my life will be fulfilled until the end.