One of my favorite stories, that I still use today, was a time of how nervous I was speaking in Japanese when I first started to learn it at Carleton. I have always been shy about speaking in a foreign language, and being in Kaga-sensei’s class was my first chance to take on the challenge. Kaga-sensei could see how nervous I was whenever she would call on me, and she would turn around after saying, “I make you nervous, let me turn around.” Honestly, I tell this story all the time when I try to motivate others to not be nervous to make mistakes. Kaga-sensei made our class into a fun learning environment where I felt I could make the million mistakes I made while I learned Japanese.
I have countless…COUNTLESS fond memories of being a part of the Japanese Department. From, speaking in Japanese at lunch, writing kanji in the basement of Parish house, having Japanese BBQs outside of Parish while my friend Seth Barenfuse (2007) would show-off his aikido moves. I went to Carleton to pursue a Japanese language degree and Kaga-sensei was an integral reason why I absolutely fell in love with learning the culture and language. ….even when I spent countless hours studying kanji, I still remember all of my experiences fondly.
Without a doubt, I am sure every student that had Kaga-sensei has fond memories of their time spent on campus. I wish her all the best in her next adventure, and I hope she carries all these great stories from her students in her heart knowing the difference she made in our lives.
Delicious Meal At Sakura
Here is Kaga-sensei, Katrina Pitas, me, and Seth Barenfuse (all 2007 graduates) enjoying a delicious Japanese meal at Sakura.