Hey, Everyone! Welcome to Shinda's Flickr Account!

For those of you who know Japanese, don't take the username the wrong way... :P My name translated into Japanese is closest pronounced as "shinda"... though, for some reason, I am always associated with the number 4! O.o

Anyway, I'm here to share my Japanese (Asian) obsession through uploaded pictures (though, Flickr went hide-happy and scattered the where-a-bouts of my many earlier photos from Japan).

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My love of the Japan's culture, philosophies, and language is my true passion and what led me to start out as a Japanese Major in college. Interestingly, after being introduced to Korean culture by a friend, I ended up watching a Japanese-Korean horror film that became the origin of my second major: Audiology. So, as a senior in college, I plan to graduate in May 2014 as a double major in Japanese and Audiology. I will go to graduate school to get my doctorate in Audiology, which means having to spend less time on my Japanese and Koreen studies to focus on my main profession.

But, my goal - my dream - is to eventually live and work as an audiologist in Japan or Korea. While both countries may be at odds with each other at times (whether politics or history), as an outsider looking in, I truly admire both of their cultures. Having studied abroad in Japan and visited Korea, I can say that my heart felt at peace among their sincere people, in their beautiful land.

It will be many years of studying for me to prepare for the real world and to secure my spot in it. I will work hard and will never lose sight of what brought me - what brings me - a special sort of happiness. Japan and Korea, wait for me. I will return.

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Good luck to everyone out there who have worked hard following their passions and will keep that love close for the rest of their lives!