11/14 Blog Post by Kadin

Today was our first day at Kojo and I instantly found so many differences between Kojo and McMahon. Walking in Kojo, I saw many drink vending machines, heck even an ice cream vending machine. If there was one at McMahon, I’d waste all my lunch money (Sorry mom :( ) Students at Kojo have more respect for their classrooms and the teachers than what I have seen through my academic career. The students are dead silent when the teachers are teaching and they have more responsibility over their education. The teacher is not telling napping students (I’ve seen 5 students sleep at the same time) to wake up. Also, the students clean their classrooms and hallways in the daily “Osoji” ensuring that their school is clean. The commute was also different even though it was the same sequence of bus-train-bus. Firstly, you enter the bus from the rear and press your IC card to check in and when you get off, the fare is deducted by stop because the fares differ. The train station was gigantic and it was a part of an at most 5-floor shopping mall. The trains were packed but not like sardines and the fare was paid just like the bus. Trains were also silent (Take notes AITE kids) and the ride was enjoyable despite the many people on the train. When I went with my host sister to her Broadcasting Club (Sort of like Film Club Grace), we engaged in some vocal exercises which composed of tongue twisters and vocalizing. In conclusion, the Kojo experience is definitely a different vibe in a good way and I am looking forward for what Kojo has for the J-Squad next.