original college essay

Last year I visited Japan as part of the Michigan Shiga Sister State Program. I was given the opportunity to be part of a regular Japanese family for a week. Before I arrived, I don't think I even fully understood what the word "family" real meant. The Yamakowas, an older couple, were so dear in every meaningful gesture.  They never became frustrated with the language barrier that separated us.
A man with passion for his home town environment, retired teacher, and world traveler, he loves his Toyota, jam and Mickey Mouse.  A wife, passionate about the happiness and comfort of her family, retired teacher (of the same school as her husband) and copilot of the world traveler, loves to serve.  The most dedicated, motherly figure I’ve ever met.  They took me to meet their Mayor, who gave me his Mayor’s pin to keep.  By the end of our meeting.  We visited JCMU, the place where I first decided I wanted to go to Michigan State.  It gave me hope of seeing my host family again.
They had an extensive amount of maps.  I thought they said they were for their son when he was younger.  We sat around the dinner table one night showing each other where our families have spread out in our respective countries.  I pointed to San Francisco, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Florida, and much of Michigan.  When they asked if I had any other family I pointed I pointed to Washington, DC.  I had been seeing a boy I didn’t even tell my family about.  They were ecstatic about it.  That was when I realized it was OK tell my parents I’m gay.
When it was time to say goodbye my new father said to me, “Someday you will be successful.  Very successful.  Remember what you love.  Family, friends, and the environment.  You will make the world a great place soon.”
I couldn’t help but cry when I hugged them goodbye.
The plane ride home I thought of how I would tell my parents.  What I’d say to my friends and how I’d be different.  I’d come a long way, but I knew I wouldn’t stop anytime soon.