Charting Our Own Courses in 2010

I was reading all those interesting comments about my piece — “Accepting the way things are. (Not!)” — and I suddenly remembered another part of that story of opening a photo studio in Japan. It was something I’d nearly forgotten, but that defined an important part of who I’ve been ever since.

You see, I began college while in the Navy and stationed in Japan. The U.S. government paid for courses on base and I decided to start with classes in Japanese language.

But by my second year there, I started to find that both the classes and my life generally were getting a little dull — especially compared to the culture shock when I arrived.

One day I went into the small country town outside the base, and noticed a sign advertising Japanese language lessons, with a picture of the teacher — a nice-looking grey-haired man. I asked around and found that he had small classes, loved what he did, and had a real talent for teaching.

No dry lectures here, I was told. He really wanted his students to understand.

So I enrolled in his course, using my own money instead of Uncle Sam’s. And without earning the college credits I could’ve gotten on base. I broke away from convention because of  all I thought I’d learn.

Rudy, a buddy of mine, looked at me like I was crazy. “Why would you go off base and pay for it yourself?”

Because it’s better, I told him. And I’m worth it. (Well, I just thought that last part; it wouldn’t have been cool to say it out loud, right?)

(I wound up getting so much out of Tanaka-san, my sensei, that I redeemed my tiny stash of Hamilton Mutual Funds so I could get intensive tutoring.)

And learn I did. The bar hostesses (no kidding, that’s where I practiced my new language!) in town couldn’t believe I was a G.I. They said that I sounded like an educated person from Tokyo. Well, my teacher was.

(My first work when I got back to the U.S. was as a civilian interpreter for a group of visiting Japanese businessmen!)

Here’s why I wanted to tell you this little story …

I got a whole lot more than language skills from going outside the norms to study Japanese. I had my confidence strengthened, my identity emboldened.

You see, instead of just accepting what was provided for me by my employer, I chose for myself who I’d accept as my teacher, and where I’d invest my time.

Even more important: By investing my own money in my learning, I claimed for myself ownership of my life. Instead of being “provided for,” I would chart my own course.

Any wonder that I believe in people investing in themselves, in their futures?

And now you can understand why I so respect those who do.

Jim

P.S. Here’s the previous piece I referred to: “Accepting the way things are. (Not!)” … with the confidence that you’ll decide on your own way to chart your course in 2010.