Okinawan intern says, 'Thank you'

  • Published
  • By Mr. Ryo Oshiro
  • Kagamigaoka School for the Handicapped
KADENA TOWN, Japan --  Editor's Note: In June of last year, Mr. Ryo Oshiro, a 16-year-old local special needs high school student, worked as an intern at Kadena's Risner Fitness Center. The intership fulfilled a childhood dream of Mr. Oshiro's - to work in an English-speaking environment. Mr. Oshiro was so inspired by the experience that he wrote a speech about it. The speech was presented at a speech contest in the Kyushu District, and he was awarded fourth place. Read Mr. Oshiro's speech below:

"Thank you" - what wonderful power this word has. I was recently given the opportunity to experience one of my childhood dreams, and for this, I am incredibly thankful.

As a child, my parents often took me to the military open-gate festivals. The one thing that really interested me was that American people often said "hello" and "thank you" to each other very naturally. We don't see this very much in Japanese culture, and when I heard it, I felt like I was welcomed by their nation. I started becoming interested in English, and in American culture.

In junior high school, I started studying English like any other student. I was very lucky, though, because my teacher told me I was talented at English, and encouraged me to study hard and to enter a story contest which, against all odds, I won! This gave me the confidence to keep studying.

This year, I was given a great opportunity to work at Kadena airbase for my second year internship. My childhood dream of working in an English-speaking environment was about to come true. One week later, I had an interview there. I was offered a job at the front desk of a sports gym. I was really grateful for this, as no matter what the job, I would be able to use English and interact with American people every day.

I only had one month to prepare. I thought of all the possible conversations I would encounter, and made English notes. I listened to the radio, learned the names of the training equipment and read the New York Times. Every day, I studied, and every day, the internship came closer. I slowly became worried that I wouldn't be able to hear their English correctly, and that I would make mistakes.

Finally, the day of the internship arrived. As we advanced up the wide road of the base, the big gym came into view. My heart was beating so fast as I entered. The cold, and the smell of machines hit me. I greeted the director and walked to the desk, excited and ready to work. My first customer approached me. "Hello. May I help you?" I said, just like I had practiced. But it didn't go as smoothly after that. I couldn't catch any of their words! I couldn't even have a basic conversation. It was so frustrating!

I am thankful for my great co-workers. They supported me by saying "Never mind, you'll get it." Two days passed, and just as I thought I would never understand, a customer came up to me and asked if he could borrow a volleyball. I answered "Sure, here you are," and handed it to him. "Thanks," he answered with a smile. My fatigue disappeared. I had understood him! This motivated me to keep talking. "Hi! How are you? Did you enjoy it? Have a nice day!" They all answered with a smile. These smiles kept me motivated.

From this internship, I realized how important it is to say "hello" and "thank you", and to smile when talking to people. I also have confidence that I can work with other people even though I have a disability. I know I needed a lot of support, but I managed it, and was able to help other people. I learned that even with this disability, keeping oneself closed off from the world is silly. The door is always open if I keep my mind open.
I am now considering my future more seriously. I have decided to go to university. I would even like to go abroad and meet some of the friends I have made online. I know there will be many difficulties, but with my strong will and the support of my friends I will overcome them.

For all the support and kind words I have, and will be given, I would like to say my favorite words with a smile - Thank you.