My name is Omar Grant, and I studied senior hospitality at Temple University. I had the privilege of studying abroad at Temple University Japan in spring 2017, and it was a dream come true. Since I was a boy growing up in Philadelphia, I had always dreamed of going to Tokyo. Being in Tokyo has helped me grow as a person and as an aspiring hospitality professional. In addition to taking GenEd, culture, and language classes, I explored the nightlife in Tokyo, walked with Geishas in Kyoto, cried in Hiroshima, and listened to Jazz in Yokohama. I also completed an internship at Run for the Cure, where I worked two days a week in the events department. I gained a significant advantage over my fellow peers by interning abroad. I conducted research and sponsorship inquires to companies all around the world on a regular basis! My internship allowed me to see the benefits, challenges, and culture of international business, and I gained a greater respect for event planners who work with sponsors on an international level. I had to overcome challenges such as time differences, cultural differences, and language barriers to help create prize packages for our clients to bid on at our auctions.

At Temple Japan I took Modern Art History, America Cultural Melting Pot or Race Wars, Black History, Beginners Japanese, and my internship was credited as my Asian studies major. I learned so much about America and Japan in ways I had never considered, such as how America and Japan truly influence each other. Being in Japan, I felt I learned the most outside of class by simply talking to people and asking questions. I even learned more about black history like the black samurais of Japan who were brought over as slaves by the Portuguese. I faced my fear of flying and of failure. I had never been on a plane before this experience, and I was terrified, but I had always dreamed of seeing the world. I also hate to do poorly academically but, despite my best efforts, I failed Japanese. It was my first time failing a college course and it has shaped me to be better. I now know the struggle so many people go through trying to learn a new language especially as a student in a new country. I feel even more empathetic to our international students here at main campus and commend them on their bravery.

At the time, and even as I write this, I felt that given growing global concerns regarding immigration, islamophobia, and xenophobia, it was important for me to experience life as a foreigner in a country where I was completely illiterate and didn't look similar to those around me. Life in Japan has forever changed me for the better. I fell in love with Japan so much that I am considering moving back to teach English after I graduate. Nihon (Japan) is a beautiful country with so much to offer. My only regret was that I could not do and explore more. Not a single day goes by without me reflecting back on my time in Japan.

"A few short years ago my grandmother won her fight against breast cancer. My internship with Run for Cure helped me fight that same cancer and make a difference in the world, all while accomplishing my childhood dream of visiting Tokyo and growing as a hospitality professional. For that, I am forever grateful to Temple University, Temple Education Abroad, and The Run For The Cure Foundation."