元祖 Rika’s Journalは国際高校時代から始まった。

私のブログ”Rika's　Journal”に、実は、歴史がある。
高校時代、英語が上達したかった私は、その当時英会話の授業を担当してくださっていたオーストラリア人のLeanneと、ティームティーチングのいづみ先生と3人で交換日記をしていた。
その日記にLeanneが名づけてくれたタイトルが、Rika's　Journalだった。期間は高校3年生の11月から、3月まで。自己推薦入試ですでに進路が決まっていて、周りの友人たちより少しだけ時間があった時期だ。半年弱の短い間のだったけれど、今でもいい思い出になっている。

せっかくなので、今日はその第一日を公開。
英会話のレッスンに出席しようと思うものの、カウンセリングについての論文を仕上げる課題でカウンセラーの先生に会いにいかなくちゃ行けなかったり、風邪引いちゃったり、先生も先生でJETプログラムの出張で休講になっちゃたり...そんな中で思いついたのがこの交換日記だった。

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Dear Leanne 24.11.94

Hi Leanne. I'm Rika. Long time no see. I'm longing to see you. Last Monday I couldn't see you because I had to meet a counselor. Last Wednesday I couldn't see you because of your business trip with JET.

This week on Monday I couldn't see you because I cought a terrible cold. Today, Wednesday, is " Labor Thanks giving day".....and next monday I might have to meet the counselor again.....Sigh.... I want to see you and attend the English conversation class, but I can't.

What should I do? I want to be good at English no matter what. I was thinking about it alot and at last I came up with a good idea, but if you are busy, it might not suit you.

In any case, my idea is to exchange notebook during the week and for you to write some comments on ths notebook and also correct my gramatical and spelling mistakes. What do you think about my idea? I know it's a little unusual. At any rate, today I really want to write something in English. So if you have time, I want you to read this message.

Today I want to tell you about the college I am going to go　to, Keio University.
The fuculty's literal name is " synthesis policy". The basic concept of this fuculty is to think of every sort of problem collectively and to solve the question judging from meny points of view. So it looks like I 'll have to study various fields of education such as logic, biology, psychology, culural-anthropology, information science etc.

As I mentioned in the first term, beginning in April, I am interested in many things, so I am very very happy to enter this college. I'll study hard at this college, and someday I would like to serve as a bridge between Japan and other countries.

Even though I was born in Japan, I am a foreigner. Thes means that I am half Japanese and half foreiner. I intend to make good use of this circumstances. Recently, i have come to think of my nationality positively.

Even as a foreigner, I am sure can work for Japan and other countries in some capacity. I think if I don't stick to theconcept, country, that is Japan, China, Australia and the like, I can live more freely. Oh I am sorry if my story is going off on
a tangent. I really want to study hard at this college as much as possible.

Now it's about time to let you go.

So, Leanne pleas ask Izumi or some teachers if teachers and students can exchange privete notebooks. If I can't what about the other members of English conversation class? See you next week.

Sincerely yours Rika.

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Rika,

your writing is excellent! I was really intersted to read this. You have some great ideas for the future. Ireally hope and am sure you will dowell.

I am sorry too if you won't be able to join many of the classes, but I really appreciate your efforts to continue improving your English. I think your idea about keeping a journal is great. I'd love to be a part of it! Leanne.

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Dear Rika,

Sorry to write to you here if you think this notebook as very personal.

This is a wonderful idea! I was very impressed. Of course you needn't any oermission to do this.
Since you have a few months to go before you graduate, I hope you think a lot until then. Izumi.