Due to the thoroughly stressing academics in my previous semester, I was not able to "fangirl" as often as I used to. For the first month, sure, I was able to read some manga, but I couldn't go on because I was too busy, trying to keep up with my demanding workload. However, I managed to be productive in terms of my literary side. Despite everything, I was able to read eight novels for the first semester (all of which are classics). I also had several realizations and epiphany, thanks to my GE class, English 11. Taking that subject up was one of the best things I could have done - it reminded me of the things I loved but I had neglected as years passed by. Thanks to that course, I was able to revive my passion in poetry. And it is with much pride that I shall tell you how enormously I have improved in writing that form of literature.
Since my first semester in UP Diliman was dedicated to that aspect of my life, I decided to focus this time on my "fangirling" tendencies. The flame inside me strengthened this Christmas, wherein I watched Japanese dramas and read manga. Before, I was utterly certain that I would take up Spanish this summer (because I really want to be able to read Marquez, or Neruda, or Fuentes, etc, in that language). Although Nihonggo was my first love, I was able to put it aside in my mind for a while because of the strong influence literature has imparted on me (I am a huge fan of Latin-American lit). But, as you might have guessed, that plan has changed. This summer, I will take up Japanese from the UP Department of Linguistics. In fact, it has been a massive motivation for me to study for physics during the vacation.
Why?
Learning the Japanese language opens a lot of opportunities, that not need be said. Not only will it cater to my intense addiction to anime, manga, and Jdrama, it can be the way for me to pursue one of my dreams: to study in Japan. Whenever I would take a break from studying, I would visit the website of Tokyo University . . . And all of a sudden, I would feel very giddy. Of course, I doubt I will be studying to such a prestigious school, but goodness, as long as it's in Japan, I'm content. It could be an exchange student program (albeit I don't really think someone like me will be chosen), or perhaps my masters. To be able to fulfill this yume though, the first step is to learn the language. Every year, I will formally study Nihonggo until I have exhausted the extramural classes from the Department of Linguistics. I would practice by listening to Japanese music (which I already do), and by watching anime or drama. I really, really want to watch a series in Japanese dub! That would be amazing.
Aside from that, one thing to further my fangirling is to watch anime frequently, or to read manga. I have copied numerous series from my brother and I would really try to slip in some time to watch an episode or two before I sleep. Currently, I am watching Kuroko no Basuke; yes, I know, I'm such a failure for only watching it now, but I was completely behind being an otaku last year, as you are aware of. It's a very good thing to motivate me to study, because, at the end of the day, despite all the hardship and my effort, I know I will have something great to look forward to.
