My Journey to Japan: Reflections on Winter Session 2025
Jul 17, 2025
Juan David Valencia Ayala
Since I was young, I’ve always had a passion for trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. As I grew older, I developed a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to connect with people from backgrounds different from my own Colombian heritage. While I wouldn’t call myself a full-on “otaku,” I grew up watching Naruto, Dragon Ball, Fullmetal Alchemist, and many more. Those stories, without me even realizing it at the time, taught me about perseverance, sacrifice, and the importance of staying true to who you are.
Because of that influence, I often dreamed of eating a bowl of ramen at Ichiraku, meeting a real-life chimera, and going on adventures across Japan—things that once felt worlds away. Coming from a low-income household, I never imagined I’d have the chance to visit Japan until much later in life. That all changed when I discovered the Winter Program at JF Oberlin University through my school. Suddenly, the dream felt real.
I began practicing Japanese as much as I could—learning phrases, researching the culture, and preparing for what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When I arrived at Oberlin, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality. The staff made me feel at home, the instructors were full of energy, and the Buddy Program gave me a chance to connect with amazing new friends—even with my limited Japanese.
One of the biggest highlights of my time in Japan was the Hakuba Ski Trip in Nagano. It was the first time I’d ever touched a snowboard, and local students patiently helped me learn. I fell (a lot), but I also found a new hobby that I plan to stick with for years to come. We spent three nights at the Hakuba Winter Sports Campus, surrounded by stunning scenery, delicious meals, and incredible people.
What truly made the experience unforgettable were the connections I built. Even with the language barrier, people made the effort to talk with me, laugh with me, and include me. We stayed up late playing board games, sharing stories from our homes, and bonding over snowy slopes. Every ride down the mountain was a shared journey—helping each other, cheering each other on.
I’ve returned to Japan since then, just to see the friends I made during this program. They reminded me that it’s not always about where you go, but who you’re with. No, I didn’t eat ramen with Naruto or collect all seven Dragon Balls—but I found something even more special: friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.