Photo credit: Pipe Vasquez @Pexels.com

In our current day and age, we are surrounded by many ways to make our lives more convenient. Many of these tools have improved our quality of life but have deprived us of a valuable lesson. While not the most important thing in life, it is only through challenging ourselves that we can grow as people and enrich our lives with a sense of meaningful accomplishment.

As university students, you are at a turning point in your lives. You probably realized quite quickly that many things are different from your high school life and more responsibility is put in your hands. While this can be frightening, it is actually an enormous gift that you are given. You are able to choose what kind of life you are going to lead. This could be in the classes you choose, the knowledge you gain, the efforts you give, the friends you make or the challenges you accept. It is the last that will prove to be your greatest asset. Challenging yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone will always teach you something about yourself. This could be finding inner strength to overcome or it could be finding a weak point that you can improve. Developing this kind of strength and awareness can help create an important sense of self confidence that will help you in the future.

Challenges are what define us. If we live a life of convenience and fear to challenge ourselves, then we will never know who we really are. Also, without challenges, we run the risk of living a life that is not truly our own. Over many years, I have heard students say many times that they want to live a life that is worth living because they only have one life. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to challenge yourself. Even if it is a small challenge, it will be worth it.

Questions:

1.    What is a benefit of challenges?

2.    When is the best time to challenge yourself?

3.    What do students say about the type of life they want to have?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

1.     You can learn about yourself.

2.     Now is the best time to challenge yourself.

3.     Students say that they want to live a full life because they only have one.

Photo credit: A125.Studio Studio @Pexels.com

In America, celebrating your birthday is “a must”. Everyone I know goes all out to mark their special day, and this tradition carries on from childhood to the more sophisticated celebrations of adulthood.

As a child, my parents made my birthday an exciting event each year. One memorable celebration took place at McDonald's, where we invited friends to eat “Happy Meals” in a corner of the restaurant. The highlight was a delicious rectangular sheet cake that we all gathered around for dessert.

Another year, in kindergarten, I hosted a pool party at my grandmother's house. While my friends splashed and laughed in the water and enjoyed popsicles on the deck, I was unfortunately stuck inside with a cold, peering out through the bedroom window. I watched them having a blast while I dreamed of playing with my favorite gift from that year—a beautiful Barbie doll. I loved those dolls!

When I became a junior high schooler, the celebrations transformed. Sleepover parties became the norm, where I’d invite two or three friends to spend the night. We spread sleeping bags across the living room floor, munched on pizza my parents ordered, and stayed up late, watching movies and chatting until early morning. One particularly fun birthday took place at Champs Rollerdome, a roller skating rink pumping with upbeat popular music on the radio. I’ll never forget watching one friend glide effortlessly backwards on skates—a talent that amazed us all!

But birthday parties aren’t just about activities like swimming and skating; they often have creative themes. For my daughter’s second birthday, I decided to throw a Minnie Mouse-themed bash. The house sparkled with pink and red decorations, and I baked a delightful cake shaped like Minnie’s head. My daughter wore a Minnie Mouse costume, and many of her friends joined in the fun, dressed in their own themed outfits!

Gift-giving is a common tradition at these celebrations. Each guest arrives with a brightly wrapped present, and at the end of the festivities, everyone leaves with a small token known as a ‘party favor.’ For my daughter’s birthday, we gave out little containers of bubbles and wands, sending each child home with a bit of bubbly magic.

As you can see, birthday celebrations in America are filled with joy and excitement, especially for children! But the fun doesn’t stop as we grow older. Adults often indulge in special meals or weekend getaways to commemorate their birthdays. Milestone birthdays, like “the big 4-0” or “the grand 8-0”, often call for larger gatherings with family and friends joining in the festivities.

Questions:

1.    What fast-food restaurant was the site of one of the author’s early birthday parties?

2.    Why was the pool party not much fun for the author?

3.    What was the theme if the party that the author threw for her daughter?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

1.     McDonald’s

2.     She had a cold, so she had to stay isolated and could only watch her friends playing.

3.     Minnie Mouse

Photo credit: The author

The following day brought a new adventure: dog sledding. My team of eager dogs pulled the sled with incredible energy, speeding through the snow-covered landscape as the wind rushed past. It was exhilarating. In the evening, we enjoyed another sauna session and attempted to see the Northern Lights, but they remained elusive.

In the morning, we went ice fishing. After drilling a hole in the thick ice and lowering our fishing lines, I accidentally hit my head on the roof of a small shelter and had to go to the hospital for stitches. Four stitches later, I returned, disappointed to have missed the eagerly anticipated sauna palace excursion.

On the last day, I experienced a reindeer ride. Unlike dog sledding, this ride allowed me to sit back and take in the surroundings as the reindeer pulled the sled at a gentle pace. It was serene and calming. Later, I visited an ice museum inspired by the tv series "Game of Thrones." The intricate and beautifully crafted ice sculptures showcased the artistry that thrives in this frozen land.

After my time in Lapland, I took a ferry back to Estonia to see my friend before returning to Osaka. Reflecting on my trip, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Even without seeing the Northern Lights, the journey was filled with unforgettable experiences that left a lasting impression.

Lapland’s charm lies in its diverse activities. Snowshoeing connected me with nature’s tranquility, while the saunas offered a soothing retreat from the cold. Though the Northern Lights eluded me, the thrill of anticipation added to the adventure.

Lapland taught me to appreciate the raw beauty of nature and the resilience of life in the Arctic. The untouched wilderness, vibrant cultural traditions, and elusive beauty of the Northern Lights deepened my respect for the environment.

In conclusion, visiting Lapland is extraordinary. It offers the thrill of snowshoeing, the relaxation of saunas, and the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. This trip invites travelers to immerse themselves in the Arctic and create lasting memories in the snowy landscapes of Lapland. One day, I will return and search for the Northern Lights again.

Questions:

1. What happened to the author during the ice fishing trip?

A) Caught a big fish

B) Saw the Northern Lights

C) Hit his head and had to get stitches

D) Got lost in the snow

2. How did the reindeer ride differ from dog sledding?

A) It was faster

B) It was more thrilling

C) It was a serene and calming experience

D) It was indoors

3. What inspired the ice museum the author visited?

A) Finnish folklore

B) "Game of Thrones"

C) The Northern Lights

D) Traditional Lapland art

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

1.     C) He hit his head and had to get stitches

2.     C) It was a serene and calming experience

3.     B) The tv show, "Game of Thrones"

Photo credit: The author

Lapland, a mesmerizing winter wonderland in northern Europe, is perfect for those who crave the beauty of nature and unique experiences. Lapland spans four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. I visited Finland. Visiting Lapland means exploring snowy landscapes, embarking on snowshoeing adventures, indulging in relaxing saunas, and hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

My trip to Lapland started with a flight from Osaka to Estonia, where I stayed for a few days before continuing to Finland. When I arrived in the small village where my adventure would begin, the ground was blanketed in pristine snow. The village was peaceful and picturesque, with cozy wooden houses and smoke rising from their chimneys. I sat on a massive throne made of ice and strolled around the village square while waiting for my tour company.

The tour company picked me up and took me to rent snow boots, a thick coat, and insulated pants. Properly outfitted for the cold, we headed to a cabin. Our first stop was a charming hut where we grilled hot dogs over an open fire and sipped hot-spiced wine. That night, we ventured out to see the Northern Lights, but the sky was obscured by heavy clouds.

The next day, we moved to another cabin deeper in the woods. I strapped on snowshoes and set off on a hike. Snowshoeing in Lapland felt like a true adventure. The untouched snow sparkled in the sunlight, and the crisp air was invigorating. As I walked, the crunch of snow under my feet created a rhythmic sound, and the stunning scenery made me feel like I was exploring a hidden, magical world.

In the evening, I experienced a traditional Finnish sauna, a key part of Lapland’s culture. The intense heat embraced me, soothing my muscles after the hike. After a while, I ran outside and rolled in the snow, the icy chill was a stark contrast to the sauna’s warmth. This ritual left me feeling invigorated. That night, despite our hopes, the Northern Lights remained hidden by clouds.

Questions:

1. Which four countries does Lapland span?

A) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia

B) Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Russia

C) Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Russia

D) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia

2. Where did the author stay for a few days before continuing to Finland?

A) Norway

B) Estonia

C) Russia

D) Sweden

3. What activity did the author do on the first night in Lapland?

A) Saw the Northern Lights

B) Went dog sledding

C) Visited a traditional Finnish sauna

D) Grilled hot dogs and sipped hot-spiced wine

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

1.     A) Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia

2.     B) Estonia

3.     D) Grilled hot dogs and sipped hot-spiced wine

Photo credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

Have you ever said, “I’m bored!” and felt like that was a bad thing? Many students think boredom is the enemy. When we feel bored, we quickly check our phones, turn on a video, or start scrolling through social media. Today, it is very easy to avoid boredom.

What if boredom isn’t actually a problem? What if being bored can be good for you? It may sound strange, but having nothing to do for a little while can help your brain in several ways.

Why Boredom Can Be Good

When you are always busy with screens, games, messages, and videos, your brain is constantly receiving information. It never really gets a break. Imagine listening to loud music all day. After a while, your ears would need some quiet time, right? Your brain is the same. When you have a quiet moment with nothing to do, your brain finally has time to relax. During these quiet moments, your mind starts to wander. You might think about ideas, memories, plans, or dreams. This is when creativity often appears. In fact, many great ideas happen when people are doing very simple things—walking, sitting, or even staring out of a train window.

Boredom Can Make You Creative

When there is no phone or screen to entertain you, your brain starts to look for something interesting. You might begin drawing, writing, planning your weekend, or thinking of a new idea. Think about children playing. When they get bored, they often invent games or imagine stories. Boredom pushes the brain to create something new. So, the next time you feel bored, your brain might actually be getting ready to do something creative. Let it create. You don’t always need to ‘feed’ it with more screen time. Doing nothing does not mean you must sit like a statue for hours. It simply means giving your brain some quiet time without constant entertainment.

Here are a few simple ways to try it:

1. Take a “Quiet Break”: Sit somewhere comfortable for five or ten minutes. Don’t use your phone. Just relax and look around. You might notice things you usually ignore.

2. Go for a Slow Walk: Take a short walk without music or podcasts. Pay attention to the world around you—trees, buildings, sounds, and people.

3. Let Your Mind Wander: Instead of quickly filling every free moment with your phone, allow yourself to simply think. Daydreaming is not a waste of time. It can help your brain connect ideas.

4. Be Comfortable with Boredom: At first, boredom may feel uncomfortable. That’s normal! But if you give it a chance, you may discover new thoughts, ideas, or hobbies.

Please remember - you don’t need to be busy every second of the day. Sometimes the best thing you can do is… nothing at all. A little boredom can help your brain relax, think more deeply, and become more creative. So, the next time you feel bored, just enjoy it! Your brain might just be getting ready for its next great idea.

Questions:

1. Why does the blog say boredom can be good for you?

A. Because it helps your phone battery last longer

B. Because it gives your brain time to relax and think

C. Because teachers want students to be bored

D. Because boredom makes time move faster

2. What can happen when people have quiet time without screens?

A. They forget how to use technology

B. They become tired immediately

C. Their brains may become more creative

D. They lose interest in hobbies

3. Which activity does the blog suggest as a way to practice “doing nothing”?

A. Playing video games for several hours

B. Watching many short videos online

C. Taking a slow walk without music

D. Sending messages to friends

Please scroll down for the answer key.

Answers:

1.     B

2.     C

3.     C

Photo Credit: the author

I was born and raised in Kyoto, and aside from spending four years in Canada during my twenties, I’ve always lived here. When I was younger, I did not fully appreciate the historical sites and the traditional atmosphere of the city. However, as I have grown older, I have come to cherish Kyoto more deeply. I especially find peace in its temples, which provide a refuge when the stress of daily life becomes overwhelming. After losing my mother four years ago, I began visiting quiet temples more frequently. These visits brought me solace and helped ease my grief.

Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples—approximately 1,600. While the city is known for famous tourist attractions like Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), there are countless others, less crowded yet equally remarkable. These hidden gems often have a unique charm that is worth exploring.

As I have wandered the city, I have discovered beautiful temples I had not even known existed. For instance, a taxi driver once introduced me to Unryu-in, a sub-temple of Sennyu-ji Temple in the Shichijo area. Despite being close to the busy Shichijo Street, this temple feels like a hidden oasis. After passing through the main gate, a long, tree-lined path leads to the temple. At the end of the path, stepping into the temple feels like escaping into another world. Unryu-in has a stunning garden, and visitors can enjoy matcha green tea while admiring the view. With only a few people around, it is a perfect spot to sit quietly and even meditate.

Another favorite of mine is Myoshin-ji Temple in the Hanazono area. This temple complex includes a main temple and as many as 46 sub-temples. Historically, in many large Japanese temples, sub-temples were created when respected monks passed away; their disciples built graves or memorial temples nearby. Over time, these small memorials evolved into independent sub-temples. Although not all sub-temples within Myoshin-ji are open to the public, several can be visited, offering unique experiences. The entire temple site feels like an old town, and walking through its grounds is like stepping back in time.

These lesser-known temples offer tranquility and beauty that are often missed in the city’s more famous spots. Exploring them has deepened my love and appreciation for Kyoto’s rich history and culture.

Questions:

1.     Why does the author visit temples?

2.     What can you enjoy at Unryu-in Temple?

3.     What is Myoshin-ji Temple known for?

Scroll down for the anwer key.

Answers:

1.     To find peace and ease stress or grief.

2.     A beautiful garden and matcha green tea.

3.     46 sub-temples that were created when famous monks passed away.

Photo Credit: Yan Krukau@pexels.com

Studying abroad can be a positive or negative experience depending on the person who will study abroad. There are so many types, lengths, and purposes to study abroad and it can be difficult to answer the question such as, “ is studying abroad good or bad?”

People will more likely have some difficulties the longer you stay in a foreign country, especially when the culture could be very different from your home country. Some people even say that studying abroad is like buying difficulties with a lot of money.

As far as learning a foreign language is concerned, one of the questions that I am often asked from the students who are interested in studying abroad is about a studying abroad period such as how long it takes to be able to speak the foreign language fluently. I have seen students who have studied abroad for just a few weeks and became highly motivated to keep learning a foreign language after they returned to their home countries. I also have met some people who have studied abroad for more than a few years but have less confidence to use the foreign language in public places such as ordering some food or drinks in a restaurant.

For me, I feel that I started to be able to catch what the local people were saying  without fully concentrating on the language comprehension, such as on the street or in the shopping mall after three months or so. Once you can catch what the local people say without focusing on the language, the life in a foreign country definitely gets easier.

However, it can also become more stressful when you catch on to what you do not want to catch such as bad words or foul language. To make a long story short, I would say studying abroad can be a battle of loneliness and pressure especially when you study abroad for a degree. The studying abroad period is so limited that people tend to put a lot of effort into their academic goals. Every day can be incredibly challenging, adjusting yourself to not only different cuisines and cultures but also different educational systems.

When it comes to language in academic use, you will be asked to use it at a  much higher level than the language proficiency test you take in your home country before you go to study abroad. By working on the assignments which are given one after another, I think I acquired more than a degree certificate such as important life skills and mindset through challenging myself with a lot of hard work while I was studying in the UK as an international student.

Studying abroad taught me to stuck it out to the end in everything, even with  loneliness and being under pressure.

Questions:

Q1: What do some people say about studying abroad?

Q2: How long did it take for the author to be able to catch what the local people say?

Q3: What skills did the author acquire during studying abroad?

 Scroll down for the answer key.

Answers:

A1: Buying difficulties with a lot of money.

A2: Three months or so.

A3: Important life skills and mindset.

Photo credit: the author

This past September, I had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain, for a business trip. While the main purpose of my journey was work, I made sure to carve out some time to visit one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world: the Sagrada Família.

Designed by the legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing. One specific detail on the exterior left a lasting impression on me. On the doors of the Passion Façade, the text of "The Lord's Prayer" is engraved in multiple languages. As I looked closely, I was moved to find Japanese characters included in the design. The phrase "Warera no chichi yo" (Our Father) is clearly carved into the metal. Seeing these familiar words in such a distant place was a deeply moving experience.

Since entry is by reservation only, I booked my ticket right before my trip and barely managed to slip into an evening slot. However, this timing turned out to be perfect. When I stepped inside, I involuntarily gasped at the sight of the stained glass windows. While the east side shines with cool blues in the morning, the west side glows with burning reds and oranges in the evening. Thanks to my time slot, I was able to witness this intense, breathtaking display of light.

By the time I left the building, night had fallen. Seeing the Sagrada Família illuminated against the night sky was an exceptional sight, completely different from the daytime view.

Visiting this basilica reminded me that great things take time. In a world where we often rush, the Sagrada Família stands as a testament to patience. It is currently scheduled to be completed around 2026 – 100 years after Gaudi’s death. If you ever visit Barcelona, make sure to book in advance and enjoy this unforgettable experience.

Questions:

Q1: What did the writer find on the doors of the Passion Façade?

Q2: What time of day did the writer visit the Sagrada Família?

Q3: What was the writer's impression of the Sagrada Família at night?

Scroll down for the answer key.

Answers:

A1: "The Lord's Prayer" in many languages, including Japanese.

A2: In the evening.

A3: It was exceptional and completely different from the daytime view.