The 1st month and my first 28 years: A WRAP

   Today, marked the first-month anniversary since we opened the doors of Circle English Academy. I’ve been wanting to write so much about it since September 1st, but life has kept me occupied with other important things. Suffice to say that tonight, the simple act of locking the front door and bringing down the shutter... filled me with satisfaction. I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to finish off the last day of the 28 years I’ve been alive.

The 'D' was taken by the wind... a new one is on its way from Mexico!

　I'm not really sure what it is or how to go about explaining it, but I’m absolutely in love with what my wife and I decided to embark on together. There’s something about co-owning a business with someone you love and trust that is simply beautiful. The last 30 days have not only shown me that we indeed make a great team together, but also about the great number of possibilities that lie before us through our business. 

   I’m proud to report that we’ve already reached the half-way point of the total number of students which we had originally anticipated would sign-up by early next year. Thus, I feel fully confindent that what I had envisioned months ago is completely achievable. I’m particularly fond of each of the students that have joined our circle. Seeing them walk out of CEA smiling and feeling like they’ve definitely learned something useful and applicable to their life after each lesson is very gratifying. The hardest part is trying to get them to leave so I can get ready for the next class! The same is true all across the board, from pre-schoolers, kindergarteners, elementary/junior/high school students, all the way up to professional adults working in a variety of different fields. The diverse collection of perspectives and behaviours make the flow of each lesson not only engaging but also refreshing to me. 

   I could say so much more, but it’s only been a month. Bottom line is, that as our logo implies: there is so much room for improving and growing together like trees. In essence, our vision is non other than providing a fertile space from which each student can gradually develop a solid foundation on which they can grow confidently in thinking and expressing themselves in English. Having had the exprience of learning English as a second language throughout my childhood, and witnessing first-hand just how wide of a door it has opened for me to discover and explore the world, I feel confident in helping guide each student to reach their goals. From students who simply want to communicate with foreigners and form friendships… to students who intend to travel or live abroad; from students who see English as the next step in their professional development… to students who simply seek to better understand cultures different from their own. 

   It’s funny how life works sometimes. The fact that the experiences you’ve had in the past come in handy when you least expect them... at any given current or future point in time. Things as simple or complicated as spending a summer painting house exteriors, working as a counselor at a summer camp, playing team-sports such as football or rowing, coaching rowing, practicing martial arts, roasting coffee and making lattes as a barista, spending five weeks in China learning how to teach English as a foreign language, backpacking throughout Europe a few times, observing your parents treat people and manage their own stores and businesses, watching your brother work his ass off to realize his dreams, asking your uncles or friends in other countries to advice you on how to save money, getting your hands dirty cleaning school gymnasiums in the middle of 200 grade 9ers… for five years, public speaking in front of hundreds, wrestling with IKEA or ニトリfurniture, helping friends move, winning/losing at online auctions, watching random Youtube videos, coming across ridiculously useful websites when procrastinating in a libray, or making friends with total strangers on buses, trains, beaches, libraries, or wherever. The fact is, whatever it is you’ve done… ALL OF IT, comes in handy at one point or another. Particularly when you decide to start your own business. Guaranteed. 

   In any case, tonight… as I rode back the 4 km from CEA to our apartment by crossing a river and beautiful Japanese pine-tree-forest, I took a little short-cut. I wanted to head to Matsubara beach to make a quick stop and walk along the sand in total darkness. I looked up at the sky and saw the beautiful stars that have looked down on me since the very first day I took my first step in this city more than 5 years ago. There was barely any wind, and although the sea was quite calm… the sound of the gentle waves made it seem as though Tsuruga Bay was happy to see me. I didn’t stay long, but with a smile on my face I leaned down and felt like writing the word ありがとうon the same sand that has felt my two children take their very first steps in order to reach the sea. 

Suffice to say that this year has been nothing short of a spectacular collection of moments, memories, and the end and beginnings of new cycles and journeys. Frankly, I couldn’t be happier and prouder of where and how my 29th year of life is about to get started. 

¡Gracias!

Thank you!

&

ありがとうございました。