Joseph Sullivan, English Professor

When I was 23 years old it occurred to me that I had never been on a plane and had never traveled more than a day's drive from my hometown. I had always enjoyed reading about other cultures, but I had never acted on that curiosity.

Fortunately, one of my professors from my undergraduate college knew of a small language school in Japan and suggested that I apply for a job there. I stayed for a year in Japan and learned a great deal about that country's long history and wonderful culture. I felt completely at home there and learned a lot about my home country by getting the chance to step outside it for a time.

When I came back home I took a special interest in working with international students in English classes. My wife and I take our kids to Japan every few years now: Japan, its people and their culture are all a permanent part of my life now and I am thoroughly thankful for it.