By Parth Khullar, participant, Jenesys 2018, Amity International School Saket, Delhi
I was anxiously awaiting the results of the Jenesys program, for which I had been shortlisted. I was a little anxious but excited too on the very thought that I could perhaps not only represent my school but also my country at such a platform, should I get shortlisted for this prestigious program, conducted by AFS.
To my delight, I was among the three from my school who were selected. Within 10 days I was to board a flight to Japan, a country I had never visited earlier. My Principal ma’am and the entire teaching staff had extended all possible guidance and prepared me mentally and emotionally for the program. I was soon off to Japan. My first tryst with the country was the warmth with which I was received. The AFS staff and volunteers who received us at the airport were very nice and kind-hearted. Simple pleasures of life that I could experience in my trip included live & let live approach to life by native Japanese, mutual respect, discipline and a sense of responsibility towards their nation, their jobs and towards every single thing they indulge in.
My stay with the host family was the most pleasant and memorable experience of my entire stay in Japan. To my parent’s horror, they could not believe their ears when I told them on phone, ‘’I wish I had more time with the host family ‘’.
If I was to put in a spot, the one thing I learned from the trip was self-reliance & discipline. I can only thank Japanese Goverment and AFS for this opportunity and I look forward to another similar opportunity in the near future.