Here are two diary entries I wrote showing the differences between the daily life of a high school student in Canada and a high school student in Japan.
Emma
Dear Diary,
I had a good day today. When I woke up at 7 in the morning, I brushed my teeth, had breakfast, got dressed for school and headed off to my mom’s car (She drives me every day on her way to work). I had band practice from 7:45 to 8:45, where I got to play my trumpet.
Then, my regular classes started at 9:00 am. First, I had French, which I am not the best at, but still enjoy. Then, I had English class. “Good morning, Ms. Johnson!” I said to greet my teacher politely. I had a test on poetry, and I got 90%! By the time lunch came around, I was quite hungry. First, though, I had to go to my Yearbook class for a short meeting with the whole team. It was fun, but I was eager to go see my friends and just relax at lunch. Finally, I went to sit in the cafeteria with my friends Sophia, Maggie, and Sarah. We had fun talking and catching up on what was going on in our lives. I had a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich that I brought from home. After lunch, I had Physical Education. We had to run 4 km, which I didn’t like very much. But, finally, P. E. was over and it was time for Drawing and Painting, my favourite class of the day! I love love love expressing myself through art and just being able to create whatever I want, so I always look forward to the last block.
When school was over at 3:10, I went to the change room and changed for volleyball practice, which lasted until 5:00. Volleyball is my favourite sport! My mom picked me up at 5:15 and we drove home, where I took a shower. I had a little bit of French homework, and I also had to finish my piece of artwork for Drawing and Painting, so I got the French worksheet over with before dinner. Then, I had a nice meal with my whole family. After dinner, I ran up to my room to work on my painting. It turned out beautiful! I watched a little bit of TV before going to bed at 10:30 pm. What an amazing day!
Sincerely, Emma
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Hinata
Dear Diary,
Today was a good day. I woke up at 6:30 in the morning, brushed my teeth, and then had my breakfast: miso soup, gohan (steamed rice) and yakizakana (grilled fish). I organized my books and got dressed in my school uniform before getting on the bus that would take me to school.
When I finally got to school and changed into my indoor slippers, it was time for my homeroom class, where I said, “Ohayou gozaimasu, Nakamura-sensei!” and bowed to greet my teacher before she started sorting out daily duties. Next I had Math, Science and Sociology. Finally, it was time for lunch! I stayed in the classroom to chat with friends and ate the vegetables, rice and meat that the school served to all of the students. My friend was responsible for handing out lunch today. My parents pay for these meals monthly, and I actually quite like them. After lunch, all of the students cleaned the classrooms and hallways. I was in charge of cleaning the bathrooms. Ugh! Then, I had Physical Education and then Japanese and Home Economics. The school day ended with the whole class saying “Thank you” to our teacher.
My classes ended at 3:15, and it was time for me to go to volleyball practice, the only club I was allowed to join this year. Since I am a kohai (junior) in high school, I spent most of practice chasing volleyballs for the senpai (seniors). After volleyball practice, I had to go to cram school, where I did extra practice and studying for school. I was so tired when I got home at 8 pm, but I had to quickly have dinner and then get to work on my homework. Finally, I went to bed at 12:00 pm, feeling completely drained, so I may fall asleep while writing this.
Sincerely, Hinata
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