The first four months were a blur — I was just trying my best to keep up, even if it meant being at the very back.
I quickly realized that the level of English I had studied in Japan, even with extra effort, wasn’t nearly enough to live and thrive here. Still, every bit of preparation helped me at least a little.

In the end, what really carried me through was working hard on the spot, relying on my own determination, and the kindness of friends around me.

Now, after a full year, I feel so much more comfortable communicating. I’m not yet at the point where I can say everything I want without looking things up, but I’m no longer afraid. Maybe the next challenge is to bring my English to an academic level where I can truly keep up in every way.

As for tennis, I couldn’t ask for a better environment — everything here is incredible: my teammates, my coaches, the facilities.