By Zitlaly Hernandez

Japanese Plus is an after school program for DC students who are interested in Japan, its culture, and language. However, for me personally and probably for most of my peers, it became more than just an after school program. Personally, Japanese Plus allowed me to identify parts of myself that I didn’t even know were there. And parts of DC that I had never explored. For example, I had never gone to the Smithsonian Museum of Asian Art, but one of our out of class trips was to go. And it was very interesting; we got to see traditional/historic art from Japanese artists.

In addition, I was known to be shy or that I kept to myself but I figured out that in order to make connections with others both parties have to be willing. I have always been shy and quiet but once I get comfortable I’ve been known to reveal more of my personality. But despite the fact, Japanese Plus helped me put my shy persona to the side in order to take charge and create relationships with Japanese students, adults that can help open new doors to opportunities, and others who would be interested in tutoring/advising us on how to improve our linguistic skills.

Another example would be when we went to the Hana Market near U Street and I bought my first bento box and 2 onigiris. Though the Hana Market was small, it was fun exploring the variety of foods that are a part of the Japanese or the AAPI (Asian-American Pacific Islander) community as a whole. It’s to say that Japanese Plus was a journey that I wish to continue next year.