開始（かいし）

I am studying Japanese because I am interested in traveling to Japan for an extended period of time. I hope to study abroad in Kyoto during my junior year for the Kyoto Consortium of Japanese Studies semester abroad program. I am excited to start learning kanji soon, even though I expect it will be very difficult. In the first four weeks of Japanese class, I am surprised by how much material I have covered. I can feel that my reading speed for hiragana has been slowly improving. One of the more difficult aspects so far, however, has been learning about the customs of politeness and manners. I think I will gradually develop the habit in time. I look forward to continuing my journey to learning Japanese!

ーチェン