My name is Rachel Cornish, but you can call me Maggie. I'm a high school senior from Oregon and come March I'll be traveling to Japan with AFS. I've been interested in Japanese culture since I was a kid, sparked for the most part by my dad's stories of when he was stationed there. As for the Japanese language, that I've been learning off and on for a few years, and it's an exciting and interesting process. Luckily, during the exchange with AFS I will be in Japan for a year, giving me ample opportunity to learn the language and immerse myself fully in the culture.
I will be able to go to Japan in March thanks to the generosity of Mr. Toshiyuki Tanaka and the Pacific Affairs Section (PAS) of the US Embassy in Tokyo, and to them I am eternally grateful. It was a long process, and this is the second year I've applied for their scholarship, but definitely worth it.
The scholarship covers my tuition, but my flights to and from L.A., my school uniform ($600+), and many other things still need to be paid for, and I would appreciate any and all donations to lessen the costs (a link for donations will be available soon). Also, I'll be sending various personalized art and zines from Japan for donations, please message me for information.
I am very excited to have this opportunity and I will be keeping this blog updated through my prep and my exchange, so come on back! Also, feel free to comment with discussions or questions. Thanks!
