My name is Ayumi Fujita, and I am a GCC student majoring in Tourism & Hospitality Management. I have been at GCC for around two years now. I am proud to be a part of such a great program. I feel that I have gone through many changes during my life at college. I’d like to share these changes because I believe GCC is responsible for them.

1. Personality Change

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in myself is in my personality. Before GCC, I was a shy person. I could not speak with people who I met for the first time; also I really disliked presenting because I could not speak out and felt embarrassed to stand in front of a classroom. However, there have been chances to speak out and present during my program at GCC. This has given me a lot of practice, confidence, and time to perfect my speech. I felt that my speeches were improving. Moreover, I could speak with other people because other GCC students are friendly,I enjoy talking with them!

2. Recognizing the Differences between Japanese and American people

I have a new point of view from living in a foreign country. Before I came to the U.S., I felt a little scared and nervous because my image of the U.S. was a little negative. However, I noticed it was wrong day by day. All GCC students and staff-members are kind. They are open minded, and talk directly to me. They always help me to study in order to make a better future for myself. I could comfortably spend time surrounded by great people at GCC.

3. I Became more Active

After coming to GCC, I became an active person because I joined many clubs and went on trips. I went to Niagara Falls, New York City, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Orlando with my friends. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to visit so many places, because I thought these places were too far from Japan. It takes twelve hours to travel from Japan to the U.S. by airplane. The U.S. is huge, and there are many attractive places I have never visited.  I would like to go on more trips and share my experiences with my friends and family.

Also, I became more independent throughout college because I have to do everything by myself.  For example, I moved to an apartment when I became a sophomore. The process was hard, but my roommate and I took care of everything ourselves.  It’s a precious experience for me and now I have confidence in myself.  I am sure these experiences will help me in the future.

This blog was contributed GCC Student Ayumi Fujtia.