Hello, my name is Ranna. My journey has been shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of being bilingual. My post-graduation plan is to attend university in Tennessee and major in International Studies. My first language is Japanese, and I began learning English in middle school, as it is a required subject in Japan. Growing up in Japan, I enjoyed English class, but the language was largely confined to the classroom. Being an island nation, Japan predominantly speaks Japanese, so opportunities to use English were rare. Moving to the U.S. in 2023 brought a stark realization: the English I learned in school wasn’t enough for everyday conversations. The first sentence I learned was “This is a pen,” which, as you can imagine, hasn’t been particularly useful in real-life conversations. Initially, I struggled with basic conversations and felt isolated due to the language barrier. The biggest challenge was expressing myself clearly at my new school in a country where both the language and culture were different. I relied heavily on body language and simple phrases, but over time, I realized that communication is more about the effort to connect than perfection. With patience and support from my new friends, my English skills improved, and I gained confidence in navigating my new environment. Being bilingual has offered me a unique perspective on the world, opening up opportunities I never expected. My fluency in Japanese is more than just a way to communicate with my family—it’s a key to understanding my roots and the rich traditions of my culture. On the other hand, learning English has allowed me to step outside the confines of my community and engage with a broader world. It’s not just about speaking the language; it’s about navigating between two worlds, each with its own set of values, customs, and ways of thinking. The ability to switch between languages has given me the flexibility to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, making me feel like I belong to multiple places. Although learning English was initially challenging, it sparked my interest in international relations. Experiencing life in both Japan and the U.S. has fueled my passion for understanding how different cultures interact and influence global relations. I want to use my bilingual abilities to bridge cultural gaps and contribute to diplomatic efforts. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a degree in International Studies, where I can deepen my understanding of global dynamics and work towards fostering international cooperation. My experience learning English and adapting to a new culture has shown me the power of language in building connections. I am excited to use my skills to make a positive impact in global diplomacy.

Tennis has been a significant part of my life since I was in second grade in Japan. It has not only taught me valuable life skills but also helped me connect with people, even when language was a barrier. I moved to the U.S. last year, and my English wasn’t strong, which made it difficult to communicate with others. This was especially challenging when I joined the tennis team and had to work with a doubles partner. However, tennis gave me a unique opportunity to connect with others beyond words. When playing doubles, communication is essential, and at first, I struggled to express myself clearly, particularly when we needed to make quick decisions during matches. Despite this, my teammates were incredibly patient with me. They made an effort to understand my broken English, communicating through gestures, expressions, and simple words. More importantly, they helped me improve my English by teaching me new words related to the game and encouraging me to speak more during matches. Even though I couldn’t communicate perfectly, we shared the same goal of winning, and tennis became our language. Through these experiences, I learned that even when words fail, actions, teamwork, and mutual respect can bridge the gap between people. Beyond helping me make new friends, tennis also provided me with a way to cope with the challenges of moving to a new country. When I first arrived in the U.S., everything felt overwhelming—the language, the culture, the people. However, when I picked up my tennis racket, I could forget all my worries and focus on the game. Tennis has always been a way for me to control my mental state, and it became a form of escape during a time when I felt out of place. The feeling of hitting the ball, running across the court, and working with my partner to strategize gave me a sense of purpose and relief from the stress of adjusting to a new life. This experience has taught me the true power of sports in connecting people, regardless of language or cultural differences. Tennis has been a constant in my life, and it has shaped my character and outlook in many ways. It taught me the importance of perseverance, patience, and teamwork—skills that will continue to serve me as I pursue my education and career goals. In the future, I want to use my passion for sports and international experiences to bring people together, just as tennis has done for me. Whether it’s through cultural exchange, building global networks, or promoting diplomacy, I believe that sports can be a powerful tool for fostering understanding and creating connections between people from all walks of life.