Self-Descriptions

**Bios for The Group**

 * Mr. Hurley**

I'm into music, technology, video editing, and juggling. Like you, I love kanji, and am looking forward to seeing lots of them while we're across the Pacific. I'm especially excited about taking everyone to Nagasaki, which is a city I love for its history and culture.

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 * Ms. Zilberman**

Hola! As you guys know I am a Spanish teacher at Wilcox. I am not sure how I got so lucky to join you on this trip, but I am a huge fan of traveling. I have been to 26 countries and am currently writing this post while sitting in Central Mexico. I have never been to Asia, making this trip that much more special. With all this traveling one may be surprised that I hate flying. Completely terrified! Not sure why, but I have to get over the fear each time a neat opportunity to travel comes up.

I speak Russian (it is my native language) English, Spanish and a tiny bit of German. I do not know a word of Japanese, but I am looking forward to you guys teaching me some basics. Hope someone is up for the challenge! We will be in Japan next month... that's soon!

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 * Vi**

I like art, music, Japanese culture, badminton, and the new movie __Sweeny Todd__ (It is so amazing. I strongly reccommend it.). I've been interested in Japan for a long time and I think it will be so amazing when all those beautiful temples, landscapes, and cities I've seen in books and computer screens come to life. I also cannot wait to practice speaking in Japanese.

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 * Scott**

I enjoy tennis, playing the tenor saxophone, and reading. I have never been to Japan before, except stopping a few times in Narita Airport before changing flights to reach China. I am looking forward to visiting historical landmarks, practicing my Japanese in an environment which absolutely relies upon it, and meeting with the Japanese high school students.

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 * Anthony**

I'm a fun-loving guy, whether it's hanging out with friends after school, making wacky videos, or letting go at school dance. I am really excited about our trip, as this will be my first time outside the continent. I look forward to staying with a host family. I have heard that it is a highly enjoyable experience.

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 * Riana**

I love to run (on track and cross country), read, and spend time with my friends. I can't wait to learn more about the Japanese culture and to practice speaking in Japanese. I've never been to Japan before, and I'm really looking forward to this trip.

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 * Shahriyar**

My name rhymes with Charizard, the Pokemon, if you aren't sure how to pronounce it. I'm into horses and i guide trail rides on mine for Garrod Farms. I do sabre fencing at the California Fencing Academy. I have family in Japan, but I've only been there on a two day stop on the way to Bangladesh. That's where I'm from. No I'm not Indian. I'm excited to be able to practice all that I've learned in class so far, once over there!

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 * Andreas**

I like to skateboard, play video games, and hang out with friends. I've always wanted to go to Japan to just visit, and now I can practice my Japanese there. Also I’ve waited 3 years for this trip. So I’m very exited to go.

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 * Jason**

I'm a sixteen year old junior in high school. I'm on the wrestling team at school and play the baritone horn in our marching band. Outside of school I've participated in Judo for about ten years and like to do activities with my churches youth group. I have a big appetite and am looking forward to tasting real Japanese food. I can't wait to experience what life is like across the pacific.

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 * Brian**

I am 16, and a junior. I am a big fan of bicycles and swimming. I have been to Japan once to see family when I was very young, so I don't remember too much, so I am stoked to be able to revisit Japan. My Japanese isn't great, but I am looking forward to experiencing the culture, and hopefully improving my speaking abilities.

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 * Ryan**

I am 17 years old and i am a junior at Wilcox High School. I spent my time playing guitar and hanging out with my friends. I've been wanting to travel to Japan ever since i heard about the trip, and it was one of the reasons i took Japanese class in the first place. I can't wait to go there in February and practice and improve my speaking skills.

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 * Rory**

I am a 16 year old junior at Wilcox High School. I play the piano and speak Spanish. I am interested in different cultures and I believe immersion and experience with people in other countries is a good way to learn. Hopefully, I will have a better understanding of Japanese language by the end of the trip. I look forward to meeting the people in Japan and try to have as many interesting conversations as possible.

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 * John**

I am 17 years old and a junior, class of 09 (woot). I am super excited to visit Japan, because I love learning about other cultures, and other places around the world. I love to travel and have been to Germany, France, Mexico, and various American states including Minnesota, Washington, and Hawaii. I love being with people, especially my friends and talking. I play water polo and tennis, and used to do swimming, track, and soccer. I am involved in many clubs and activities including Link Crew, Multi Cultural club and Japanese club. I am so excited to go to Japan and be able to learn about Japanese culture, get lost in Japan, and go shopping. I look forward to meeting everyone that I do not know and hope this bio will give you an idea of who I am.

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 * Albert**

I am a 16 year old Junior. I first got interested in going to Japan because I read manga. Although I don't expect Japan to be like in the manga I am excited on going there.

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 * Claire**

I'm 16 and a Junior. I like food, Japanese language and culture, and stuff. I also am into anime and manga, Korean and Japanese dramas, and Japanese music. I'm pretty forgetful and aloof. I don't really like talking about myself, if you ask me anything I'll answer you, I don't mind that.