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I am a third-generation Nikkei from São Paulo. But nowadays, I am living in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. The process of adaptation has been a little difficult, because I am shy person and there are not so many people of Japanese descent here. I also live alone and work hard. Thus, the opportunities to make friends are a little limited.
Last year, I downloaded Slowly, in order to practice Japanese with native speakers and overcome loneliness and stress. Actually, my first attempts were totally frustrated. Many letters were not answered… Some Pen Pals answered just the first ones…
But, with perseverance and determination, I kept on trying. And now I am reaping the fruits: I have been corresponding regularly with four Japanese pen pals since October of last year. They have learned not only about their language and culture. But they also have helped me to understand about my own cultural identity – my way of thinking, my way of life. Therefore, I am deeply grateful to Slowly and to them. I just seized a unique opportunity.
