13 year old Cooper’s academic and creative journey has reached extraordinary levels, currently a matriculating General Studies Associate’s Degree student in Connecticut. With the support of Cherish the Children, Cooper was able to experience a unique opportunity for international education and language studies in Japan during his summer break.
Cooper’s Statement:
One of the most important parts of the trip was being able to use Japanese outside of a classroom. Talking with native Japanese speakers helped me understand how Japanese is actually spoken and gave me more practical experience using the language. I also learned more about telling time and became more comfortable speaking Japanese.
I think one of my biggest takeaways from the trip was that I became better at talking to people and more comfortable socially. I also became more confident using Japanese in real-life situations. The trip gave me a chance to learn about Japan, practice the language, make new friends, and become more independent.
I am continuing to take Japanese through CT State this semester. After this semester, I will need to take higher-level Japanese classes through The Japan Society or a university because I will have completed the Japanese courses available to me at CT State. I am also hoping to participate in another Japanese language program this summer so I can keep improving.
I know that I was able to have this experience because of the generosity of Cherish the Children. I am very grateful for the opportunity to travel to Japan and experience so many new things. Thank you for making this trip possible for me.
Cooper’s Mom Statement:
This trip represented an enormous leap in independence and confidence for Cooper. In many ways, there is no going back from it. The bar has been set. Cooper is a unique kid and has always shown that he is capable of working at a very high level, but this experience was transformative in showing both of us just how much is possible for him.
Japan opened the door to opportunities that I don’t think either of us would have seriously considered before. At this point, it really does feel like the sky is the limit. We are now looking at a summer program through Oxford and considering applying to The Japan Society’s Junior Fellows program, which offers a summer exchange experience in Japan. These are significant opportunities, but Cooper has shown that he is willing to do the work, and I want to do everything I can to give him the chance to pursue them.
I am immensely grateful for the help that has made these opportunities possible. I am doing everything I can to create more opportunities for Cooper myself, but the reality is that experiences of this magnitude would not be possible for us without the generosity and support of others.
The assistance Cooper has received is truly life-changing. He is on a trajectory that I could not provide for him on my own, and seeing what he has done with these opportunities makes me want to keep opening every door I possibly can for him. I am profoundly grateful to Cherish the Children for helping make that possible.
Cooper visits Japan
