My name is Cadence Clapham, and I am a first-generation freshman from Flat Rock, Michigan. I aim to earn a zoology degree from Michigan State University. My goal is not just a career path but a heartfelt dedication to contributing to the study and conservation of wild animals as I spend my time studying animal anatomy and characteristics, learning about different species and their behaviors, and simply enjoying the wilderness and its inhabitants.
 
These passions have led me to this point. I initially participated in the former Iceland FSA, selecting that course for its daily hiking. However, Japan was the seminar that resonated with me when I first learned about studying abroad; it aligned perfectly with my major and diverse interests. The prospect of exploring the similarities and differences across various societies and histories, particularly in Japan with its rich cultural landscape, was incredibly fascinating. It was a place I was eager to explore, a land of wonder and discovery. Not only did it cater to my specific interests, but it also promised to be a completely new and exciting experience. I had never traveled internationally or domestically; it would mark my first time on a plane, leaving the country, and even seeing the ocean. The excitement for this program was overwhelming, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in Japanese culture and its unique human-nature relationship in FSA Japan Track 2's course Godzilla Rises and Cherry Blossoms Fall, where we would explore the intricate relationship between the people of Japan and their natural environment through pop culture, wildlife, companion animals, food, and spirituality.
 
Experiencing Japan was like a switch in my system, not just educationally but physically and mentally. As a shy and non-social student who has not experienced much of the world, I was unsure what to expect as I stepped off the plane at Haneda airport in Tokyo. However, the former reserved and introverted student began to blossom as the days went on. Japan was a new experience for all of the students on the program; some knew little Japanese while others had none, yet that allowed us to persevere in an unknown land. Working together, we began to figure out how to cross language barriers, adapt to unknown bus and train systems, and adventure throughout the cities, strengthening our independence and forming memories and bonds with the others around us. As I hiked temples such as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and looked out to the vast city at dusk, drank the pure spiritual water from the Kiyomizu-dera shrine, and even dressed in traditional clothing to race the streets of summer festivals, I've come to realize that it was never just the experiences alone that made my studies and adventures memorable. Instead, it was the other students around me that I had by my side the entire time as we shared the experiences of making mistakes, trying new things, and encouraging one another. I believe that abroad has awakened a spirit within me that I never knew I had, and other shy students like me can find their personal growth among others who are experiencing an unknown world, one step at a time. Personal growth is always possible, even in the most unfamiliar of circumstances.

Name: Cadence Clapham
Status: First-year
Major: Zoology
Hometown: Flat Rock, Michigan
Program: FSA Japan - Track 2 - Godzilla Rises, Cherry Blossoms Fall