A fateful event in my life took place in a patient’s room at Han Young University Hospital in May 2001. A meeting with an extraordinary man, Mr. Park Chano (trainee on the 3rd program), created an opportunity for me- a person with visually impairments, to actively participate in the world.

Mr. Chano was working for the welfare for persons with disabilities in the local community, helping them to live independently. At that time I never understood what he was saying. However, the words he said when he was when he was discharged from the hospital were somehow impressive: “Are you satisfied with your life?” After I was released from the hospital and went back to regular life, I wasn’t able to get those words out of my mind, so I visited Shoritsu Kaikan as Mr. Chano advised. I met him there and soon I was involved in volunteer activities. (Was I trapped?) I kept myself busy with volunteer activities even after his visit to Japan on the training program. Through such activities, I met people with various disabilities and learned about peer counseling, welfare for persons with disabilities, and skills to support persons with disabilities. I have always been astonished with this boundless world, so I decided to get training in Japan and have a chance to see other parts of the world.

Mr. Chano returned from Japan in July 2002. I asked hi about his stay, and he replied, “Well, it was not easy, but I enjoyed a lot.” I was really looking forward to my visit to Japan.

Finally it was August 31st. It was the first time for me to leave my home country and start living abroad. All my family and friends were concerned about me but no matter what said, I wasn’t able to reassure them. I was a little concerned. The one and a half hour flight from Incheon International Airport to Narita was very long. I had both expectations and anxiety.

My life is Japan began with meeting other trainees from different countries. There were many misunderstandings and conflicts in opinions because of our different cultural backgrounds, customs and religions. We went through some difficulties but were able to build up real friendships. We were all strong willed with much desire to change the world around us. Another thing we had in common was our youth.

In January 2002, each trainee set out on a journey to achieve his or her goals. My first training institution was Human Care Association, a center for independent living in Hachioji City. CIL is an organization that helps persons with disabilities in the local community to achieve independent living. Human Care Association is the first CIL in Japan founded in 1986 and is a leading organization. CIL provides services such as peer counseling, arranging assistants, information services, and seminar planning, etc. I underwent training there for two months. During this training period, I stayed in a room in order to experience independent living. The room was about a 25 minute walk from the office. Without my colleagues, with whom I spent three months, it seemed too spacious just for me. To tell you the truth, I felt a little lonely. I borrowed a video player from the office and it became my friend and lover. I might not have been able to live by myself without that video player.

My training at Human Care Association focused on peer counseling (spiritual support for persons with disabilities) and the concept of independent living. The two subjects were objectives of my training when I applied for the program, and I think I have accomplished these objectives satisfactorily. The only thing that I regret is that I had a hard time adjusting myself to day-to-day living, and as a result, my training hours were mainly in the afternoon. The most difficult part of the training was peer counseling. I had learned about peer counseling to some degree in South Korea, but as I continued my study on this subject in Japan, I realized that there was more to learn. I don’t think I understand completely about peer counseling, so I would like to continue studying it back in my home country.

I moved to Nishinomiya City on March 19 to continue my training at Main Stream Association. A new system was to be introduced in Japan in April, so the members of this association were busy preparing for the change. Although I am not very good at understanding systems and regulations, I acquired a lot of knowledge while I was helping them with their work. The work itself was fun, and I think it was a very good experience. When I had no work, I reflected on this training and thought about the future when I would return to my home country. The members of the association told me they were sorry for not giving me enough training, but for me one month was a meaningful stay. I had one more month with them, which turned out to be a full-fledged training program. I gained skills to plan events and understood the importance of planning. They took me to business meetings and a lecture at a university. I spent some recreational time together with the members doing many things for the first time including gambling and bowling. I don’t think I’m a good gambler, but I really enjoyed bowling. I would like to try bowling in my country, too. They all had varied interests in many things and seemed to enjoy their free time. It is natural for people to enjoy leisure activities, but people who work for persons with disabilities in South Korea do not seem to be this way. In the center of the office at Main Stream Association was a large table where most people did their work. No matter how busy they were, they always kept smiles on their faces. This surprised me greatly. They laughed a lot even while they worked. They really enjoyed their jobs. Their laughter was infectious, so I would smile, too. I felt I was a part of their team. Perhaps most people find it easy to socialize, but for me it was different. I would often find it difficult to get along with people when I was a student.

This negative state of mind made it even more difficult for me to form proper human relationships. However, soon it became easier after I realized I should keep an open mind. I made friends with the staff and we talked about many things. I started to wonder what independent living was all about.

One impression I have after completing the training at the two different centers for independent living is that “You should enjoy independent living. If you don’t, then it isn’t independent living.”

People in the two institutions have different ways of doing things, but they all enjoy their work. If you do not enjoy the work you do in the area of welfare for persons with disabilities, then you will have a hard time getting on with it. The same can be said when you take part in a movement with the parties concerned. if you concentrate too much on such movements and don’t take a break, you won’t be able to enjoy it and achieve your objectives. The idea of enjoying yourself is important not only when trying independent living but also with almost anything you do. We really should enjoy whatever we do. If I had not met Mr. Chano and listened to what he said, I would not have come to know about this program and visit Japan. I learned a lot from the people I met and talked with in Japan. I went through some hardships, but in the process of getting over them, I thought about myself and discovered who I really was and what I was about to do with my life. I could feel I was changing into a different person. The experiences I had in Japan made me realize that relationship and interactions with various people have a great effect on spiritual growth.

I will meet Mr. Chano again in my country and we will continue our activities there. I hope the tough experiences that made us change and grow will be a driving force in our efforts to change the situation in South Korea. I will meet people and talk with them in order to foster good relationships, and most importantly, will enjoy the fruits of such efforts and activities.

Lastly, I would like to thank the people at Duskin AINOWA Foundation, the training institutions that accepted me, and JSRPD. I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of them. I sincerely hope this training program will continue for years to come. I look forward to seeing you again.