Haruka Shinno

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Japan
Exchange to University of Technology, Sydney, Australia

Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards programme for enabling me to pursue my study abroad experience successfully throughout the year.

This was my second time studying in Australia, yet it was filled with new discoveries, new lessons learned and wonderful adventures that were different from my previous exchange experience as a high school student.

This time around, I had a clear purpose of what I wanted to achieve, which was to study journalism. After two years of aspiring for a career in journalism, the University of Technology, Sydney offered me the best place for laying the foundations. It allowed me to acquire essential knowledge and build up my confidence through practical tutorials and challenging assignments that involved writing real news stories. At times, I found myself stuck generating story ideas and finding the right person to interview for my assessments. However, each time I finished writing a story, I felt a great sense of achievement as there was nothing more rewarding than having a story completed. I am proud of having gone through such a tough semester.

Another life changing lesson occurred during my trip in Darwin. I joined a camping tour guided by a young indigenous Australian man who was very knowledgeable about the area, the native plants and animals. He took us to the top of Jim Jim Falls, a well-known attraction in Kakadu National Park. Under the hot sweltering sun, we did a really difficult hill walk. Sweat ran in rivulets down my neck and honestly, there were many times where I thought I could not go any further due to the steep rocky hills. After three hours of walking, we reached the top, which overlooked a waterfall. I just could not stop crying as it was the most spectacular scenery I had ever seen in my entire life. It taught me a good lesson of what hard work really means. The process is more significant than the outcome.

Lastly I cannot finish my story without thanking the friends I met in Sydney. They were always there for me when I needed a helping hand, and they were willing to listen to me whenever I had troubles. When I had good moments, they also shared in my joy and felt happy for me. Despite my English being imperfect, they didn’t mind it and always treated me on an equal level.

Above all else, I learned that my life has been enriched the most through my friends, not my success in career, status, or money. My life would not have been the same if I did not meet these fantastic friends who I will cherish for life.

I am sincerely grateful for having met these people and completing a whole year of exchange in Sydney. I know that I will make the most of my knowledge and the experiences I have learned in the future.

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