FINESSING MY WAY TO JAPAN: The Memoirs of a street girl taking her antics halfway around the world.

SHORT STORY LONG
Visiting Japan has always existed in my mind as a far away goal, a milestone of achievement to work towards and to be very honest something I always thought I'd have to move several economic classes and years up to attain. I've never been abroad to another country other than a trip to Samoa as a baby so travelling is quite literally a foreign concept to me. When I first heard about the Japanese Exchange, it felt like the heavens were telling me it was my chance (not the dramatic ones AHAHAHA) but it was one of those "if-not-now-when?" kinda things. So when the opportunity came, there was no doubt that I needed to at least try my best for it. 
When I found out I make the cut, I couldn't believe it. I literally fell to the floor and screamed. It's such a surreal thing to be given the privilege of travelling to another country and it's definitely one I won't take for granted. There's a strong, fundamental belief I have that any success I have, by whatever means you want to measure success, is not a success that was attained by my own. It takes a village to raise a child. Things like this Japanese Exchange only strengthens my appreciation for the village that has raised me and continues to humble me because I really ain't nothing without them. I'm extremely grateful for every opportunity this exchange is giving me and the life lessons, life-long connections and life changing experiences waiting for me in Japan. 

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk,
Fili 

LONG STORY SHORT
Now you can look at my slideshow presentation of memes if you ain't bout that reading long paragraphs life: