Typhoon Hagibis–a typhoon expected to match the intensity of the previous typhoon that hit Japan back in 1958, killing about 1,200 people. One of the most powerful typhoons to hit Japan this year is banging on my front door.
At the moment, it is 3:57pm. The winds are howling outside my apartment and the windows are being assaulted by the heavy rain. If I listen very carefully, I can hear what sounds like soda cans being knocked around on the streets. It’s a very interesting to sit through, especially since California doesn’t get attacked by typhoons.
The news said that the typhoon isn’t supposed to pick up in speed and intensity until later this evening, but warnings about possible evacuation have already been sent out. According to my program’s coordinator, if the level of intensity should hit 4 (out of the 5 levels), I should be prepared to make my way to the evacuation center.
Even though it is a serious situation and I should fear what’s to come in the later hours, all I can feel right now is calmness.
But why?
All of my life, I have been panicking about the smallest things. I overthink about what is going to happen and what needs to be done. Yet, right now, I’m sitting calmly while my apartment groans and moans from all sides.
As I’m typing this out, I’m starting to think that I’m calm only because it’s a new kind of experience. I have never been put into a situation where I needed to stock up and shelter myself indoors; it’s interesting. I’m strangely curious about how this storm will play out and what will happen next. Though this whole situation may be a bad thing, I believe that it’s giving me the true study abroad experience in Japan.
Who back at home can say that they’ve faced the severe tropical storm, Hagibis? Not many.
That said, I’m in awe about how much I’ve learned about myself in emergency situations. I always thought I would panic, but instead, I’m sitting in my apartment typing up this post. It’s a surreal feeling. I am the most grateful for being safe enough to do this.
With the storm still berating my apartment complex, I learned that I am very optimistic when it comes to moments like these. Some thoughts that run through my head at this very moment are:
- Imagine the story you can tell your friends after this typhoon.
- Even if this ends up badly for you, it’ll be quite a memory from your study abroad experience.
- You can’t get hurt if you make good decisions–just stay away from windows and relax.
I learned that there’s no point in panicking. I wish I was able to say this about many other things I have to face in my life, but in this situation, there is nothing else you can do besides be calm and wait it out. Why waste your energy panicking when you could be doing something productive instead?
I’m about one month and a half into this study abroad, yet I have been learning so many new things. I only hope I will be able to run into new experiences and learn more about myself as the year progresses.
Christine's Adventures Abroad 