Finding Miracles in the Ordinary

"A remarkable event attributed to supernatural agency" — that's from the Oxford dictionary. But I know what a miracle is. It's so common, but remarkable all the same. You see I experienced one. And my miracle was due not to anything supernatural, but to the extraordinary effect of ordinary friendship.

I discovered the power of friendship this summer on a study abroad program. Something special happened, I found my confidence. To appreciate that this was a miracle, let me take you back to the first day of the program. I arrived in Boston one of only two students in my grade. Picture a worried and nervous girl dragging an oversized suitcase down a hallway of a hundred - or was it a thousand - steps. Being shy, I was worried about whether I could make friends with the older girls in the group. And I was a little nervous about meeting American teenagers.

In fact, I had no need to worry. The American girls and teachers were so friendly and kind. Soon, everyone was relaxing in their rooms chatting like old friends. The program started great! Everything was new and it was fun. I was really happy, but underneath I was still my old self. And I knew my shyness would return, and it did.

It was near the end of my stay. All the classes had to prepare performances for the final day. Our class decided to put on a fashion show. Most of us were to be models. It came time to practice our walks. "Me? Walk like a model? Oh no, I'm too shy!" I thought. Then I noticed most of the other Japanese girls were shy, too, while all the American girls were confidently walking like New York supermodels. Was my shyness a Japanese thing? I needed more confidence. How could I change? It would take a miracle.

After my turn on "the catwalk," my American best friend pulled me aside and whispered, "You are so great. You don't have to be shy. You can do it your way." Her words really moved my heart. She believed in me. And that gave me confidence. For me, it was a miracle. "Let me try that walk again. Move over, Cindy Crawford! Here goes. Back straight, chin up, and think chic."

That day, thanks to my new friend, I learned not to be shy. I returned to Japan a more positive person. Last summer I couldn't walk ten meters in front of my own classmates, now I can face the world! There is so much I can do. For example, I see problems in Japan such as rising crime and teenage violence, but I know I can make a difference. I want to be a counselor and help young offenders. Even now, I do what I can. I tell all my friends, "Don't think, I am just a Japanese schoolgirl. Right? So, of course I'm shy." "Be confident. We are Japan's future. We need to play a part in the global community of the twenty-first century."

Today, I want to tell you the same message. You can change anything in your life, but don't wait for a supernatural event. I found my power for change in the encouragement of a friend. Look around. Seek opportunities to change and grow and there you will find your miracle. And when you have, share your discoveries and together let's make the new millennium extraordinary.

Sachiko T.,
Tokyo, Japan

Sachiko came to Boston during the summer of 1999 as a participant in Showa Boston Institute for Language and Culture's intercultural Discovery Program. This program brings American and Japanese girls ages thirteen to sixteen together on the Boston campus for three weeks. Sachiko won the first place prize in for her speech "Finding Miracles..." in the Ordinary in an English speaking contests in Tokyo.

* Reprinted from Positive Teens Magazine Volume 2 Issue 3, May/June 2000

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